Relationship of transepithelial electrical potential to membrane potentials and conductance ratios in frog skin

Summary Previous studies in anuran epithelia have shown that, after clamping the transepithelial voltage in symmetrical sequences for 4–6 min there is near-constancy of the rate of active Na transport and the associated oxidative metabolism, with a near-linear potential dependence of both. Here we have investigated in frog skin the cellular electrophysiological events associated with voltage clamping (V _t =inside-outside potential). Increase and decrease ofV _t produced converse effects, related directly to the magnitude ofV _t .Hyperpolarization resulted in prompt decrease in inward transepithelial currentI _t and increase in fractional outer membrane resistancefR ₀ (as evaluated from small transient voltage perturbations) and in outer membrane potentialV ₀. Overshoot ofV ₀ was followed by relaxation to a quasi-steady state in minutes. Changes infR ₀ were progressive, with half times of some 1–5 sec. Changes in transepithelial slope conductanceg _t were more variable, usually preventing precise evaluation of the outer and inner cell membrane conductancesg ₀ andg _i . Nevertheless, it was shown thatg ₀ is related inversely toV _t andV ₀. Presuming insensitivity ofV _i toV _t , the dependence ofg ₀ onV ₀ in the steady state much exceeds that predicted by the constant field equation. Apparent inconsistencies with earlier results of others may be attributable to differences in protocol and the complex dependence ofg ₀ onV ₀ and/or cellular current. In contrast to previous findings in tight epithelia at open circuit, differences inV _t were associated with substantial differences infR ₀ and inner membrane potentialV _i . Hyperpolarization ofV _t over ranges commonly employed in studies of active transport and metabolism appears to increase significantly the electrochemical work per Na ion transported.     

Effect of proteolytic enzymes on transepithelial solute transport

The effects of proteases on air-space clearance (AC) of small ([14C]sucrose, 342 daltons) and large (125I-neutral dextran, 70,000 daltons) solutes were studied in isolated, fluid-filled hamster lungs that were perfused in a nonrecirculating system. When instilled into the air spaces, porcine pancreatic elastase (0.1-0.4 mg/ml) and bovine pancreatic trypsin (BPT) (0.5-2.0 mg/ml), but neither Clostridium histolyticum collagenase (5.0 mg/ml) nor phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride-inactivated BPT caused large increases in the AC of both tracer molecules. BPT-induced solute clearance was further characterized functionally and morphologically. The functional characteristics of solute AC under steady-state conditions did not indicate that transepithelial transport was diffusion-limited. Inhibition by millimolar concentrations of Zn2+ and by lung cooling, along with electron microscopic studies employing horseradish peroxidase as a macromolecule tracer, were consistent with epithelial solute transport by a vesicular mechanism (transcytosis). Solute transport from the interstitial compartment to the lung exterior was shown to occur via two pathways. By unknown mechanisms BPT caused small amounts of water to flow through an incompletely identified, extravascular pathway. In BPT-exposed lungs efflux of 125I-dextran 70 occurred almost exclusively through this pathway, whereas [14C]sucrose was transported to the lung exterior partly through this same pathway and partly through the vasculature. The large differences in the diffusion coefficients of the two tracers may have accounted for these observed patterns of solute efflux from the lung. The possible significance of our findings to the pathogenesis of experimental emphysema are discussed.     

Occludin modulates transepithelial migration of neutrophils

Neutrophils cross epithelial sheets to reach inflamed mucosal surfaces by migrating along the paracellular route. To avoid breakdown of the epithelial barrier, this process requires coordinated opening and closing of tight junctions, the most apical intercellular junctions in epithelia. To determine the function of epithelial tight junction proteins in this process, we analyzed neutrophil migration across monolayers formed by stably transfected epithelial cells expressing wild-type and mutant occludin, a membrane protein of tight junctions with four transmembrane domains and both termini in the cytosol. We found that expression of mutants with a modified N-terminal cytoplasmic domain up-regulated migration, whereas deletion of the C-terminal cytoplasmic domain did not have an effect. The N-terminal cytosolic domain was also found to be important for the linear arrangement of occludin within tight junctions but not for the permeability barrier. Moreover, expression of mutant occludin bearing a mutation in one of the two extracellular domains inhibited neutrophil migration. The effects of transfected occludin mutants on neutrophil migration did not correlate with their effects on selective paracellular permeability and transepithelial electrical resistance. Hence, specific domains and functional properties of occludin modulate transepithelial migration of neutrophils.     

Opposite regulation of transepithelial electrical resistance and paracellular permeability by Rho in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells.

Small GTPase Rho has been thought to be important for the formation and the maintenance of tight junction in epithelial cells, but the role of Rho in the regulation of barrier function of tight junction is not well understood. We here examined whether Rho was involved in the barrier function of tight junction in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. The activation of prostaglandin EP3beta receptor, coupled to a Rho activation pathway, induced the increase in transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) but the increase in paracellular flux of mannitol in the preformed monolayer of the MDCK cells expressing the EP3beta receptor. This effect of the EP3 receptor was mimicked by the expression of constitutively active RhoA but not by active Rac1 in MDCK cells, using an isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactoside-inducible expression system. On the other hand, the activation of EP3beta receptor suppressed the elevation of TER and the decrease in paracellular mannitol flux during Ca(2+) switch-induced tight junction formation, whereas the expression of active RhoA or Rac1 did not apparently affect the TER development in the Ca(2+) switch. These results demonstrate that the EP3 receptor and active RhoA regulate permeabilities of ionic and nonionic molecules in opposite directions in the preformed monolayer, and the EP3 receptor suppresses the elevation of TER during the tight junction formation.     

Peroxisomal membrane permeability and solute transfer

The review is dedicated to recent progress in the study of peroxisomal membrane permeability to solutes which has been a matter of debate for more than 40 years. Apparently, the mammalian peroxisomal membrane is freely permeable to small solute molecules owing to the presence of pore-forming channels. However, the membrane forms a permeability barrier for 'bulky' solutes including cofactors (NAD/H, NADP/H, CoA, and acetyl/acyl-CoA esters) and ATP. Therefore, peroxisomes need specific protein transporters to transfer these compounds across the membrane. Recent electrophysiological studies have revealed channel-forming activities in the mammalian peroxisomal membrane. The possible involvement of the channels in the transfer of small metabolites and in the formation of peroxisomal shuttle systems is described.     

Epithelial permeability and the transepithelial migration of human neutrophils

Although polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN's) can migrate through every epithelium in the body regardless of its permeability, very little is known about the effect of epithelial permeability on PMN migration and the effect of emigrating PMN's on the permeability of the epithelium. In an in vitro model system of transepithelial migration, human PMN's were stimulated by 0.1 micrometer fMet-Leu-Phe to traverse confluent, polarized canine kidney epithelial monolayers of varying permeabilities. Epithelial permeability was determined by both conductance measurement and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) tracer studies. As epithelial permeability increased, the number of PMN invasion sites as well as the number of PMN's that traversed the monolayer increased. The effect of PMN migration on epithelial permeability was examined using the ultrastructural tracers HRP and lanthanum nitrate. PMN's traversing the monolayer made close cell-to- cell contacts with other invading PMNs and with adjacent epithelial cells. These close contacts appeared to prevent leakage of tracer across invasion sites. Following PMN emigration, epithelial junctional membranes reapproximated and were impermeable to the tracers. These results indicated that, in the absence of serum and connective tissue factors, (a) the number of PMN invasion sites and the number of PMN's that traversed an epithelium were a function of the conductance of the epithelium and (b) PMN's in the process of transepithelial migration maintained close cell-cell contacts and prevented the leakage of particles (greater than 5 nm in diameter) across the invasion site.     

Bile acid modulates transepithelial permeability via the generation of reactive oxygen species in the Caco-2 cell line

The barrier functions in epithelial and endothelial cells seem to be very important for maintaining normal biological homeostasis. However, it is unclear whether or how bile acids affect the epithelial barrier. We examined the bile acid-induced disruption of the epithelial barrier. We measured the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of Caco-2 cells as a marker of disruption of the epithelial barrier. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was also measured. Cholic acid (CA) decreased the TEER and increased intracellular ROS generation. PLA2 (phospholipase A2), COX (cyclooxygenase), PKC (protein kinase), ERK 1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2), PI 3 K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase), p38 MAPK (p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase), MLCK (myosin light-chain kinase), NADH dehydrogenase, and XO (xanthine oxidase) inhibitors or ROS scavengers prevented the CA-induced TEER decrease. PLA2, COX, PKC, NADH dehydrogenase, and XO inhibitors prevented the CA-induced ROS generation but not ERK 1/2, PI 3 K, p38 MAPK, and MLCK inhibitors. If the cells were treated with ROS generators such as superoxide dismutase, the TEER decreased. ERK 1/2, PI 3 K, p38 MAPK, and MLCK inhibitors prevent these ROS generators from inducing the TEER decrease. These results suggest that ROS play an important role. In addition, PLA2, COX, PKC, NADH dehydrogenase, and XO are located upstream of the ROS generation, but ERK 1/2, PI 3 K, p38 MAPK, and MLCK are downstream during the signaling of CA-induced TEER alterations.     

NALP-3 inflammasome silencing attenuates ceramide-induced transepithelial permeability

The hallmark of acute lung injury (ALI) is the influx of proinflammatory cytokines into lung tissue and alveolar permeability that ultimately leads to pulmonary edema. However, the mechanisms involved in inflammatory cytokine production and alveolar permeability are unclear. Recent studies suggest that excessive production of ceramide has clinical relevance as a mediator of pulmonary edema and ALI. Our earlier studies indicate that the activation of inflammasome promotes the processing and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and causes alveolar permeability in ALI. However, the role of ceramide in inflammasome activation and the underlying mechanism in relation to alveolar permeability is not known. We hypothesized that ceramide activates the inflammasome and causes inflammatory cytokine production and alveolar epithelial permeability. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the lung ceramide levels during hyperoxic ALI in mice. The effect of ceramide on activation of inflammasome and production of inflammatory cytokine was assessed in primary mouse alveolar macrophages and THP-1 cells. Alveolar transepithelial permeability was determined in alveolar epithelial type-II cells (AT-II) and THP-1 co-cultures. Our results reveal that ceramide causes inflammasome activation, induction of caspase-1, IL-1β cleavage, and release of proinflammatory cytokines. In addition, ceramide further induces alveolar epithelial permeability. Short-hairpin RNA silencing of inflammasome components abrogated ceramide-induced secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in vitro. Inflammasome silencing abolishes ceramide-induced alveolar epithelial permeability in AT-II. Collectively, our results demonstrate for the first time that ceramide-induced secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and alveolar epithelial permeability occurs though inflammasome activation.     

Calcium modulates transepithelial potassium secretion across isolated frog skin

1. Transepithelial K+ movements across isolated frog skin consist of four components: (i) a passive component; (ii) an active inward transport of K+ which occurs via the epithelial cells; (iii + iv) two active outward-directed components, one via the skin glands, the other via the epithelial cells. 2. Incubation of frog skin in gluconate Ringer's solution activates the K+ secretion via the epithelial cells. 3. A decrease in the Ca2+ activity of the epithelial cells increases the K+ permeability of the apical membrane and reduces the K+ permeability of the basolateral membrane.     

Thromboxane modulates endothelial permeability

The study tests the role of thromboxane in modulating microvascular permeability in vitro. Cultured monolayers of bovine aortic endothelial cells were challenged with the thromboxane (Tx) mimic U46619. This led to disassembly of actin microfilaments, cell rounding, border retraction and interendotheHal gap formation. Pretreatment with the Tx receptor antagonist SQ 29,548 prevented the Tx mimic-induced cytoskeletal changes. The Tx mimic also altered endothelial cell barrier function. Increased permeability was indicated by the increased passage of labelled albumin across monolayers cultured on microcarriers, relative to untreated endothelial cells (p < 0.05). Furthermore, electron microscopy of endothelial cells cultured on the basement membrane of human placental amnion indicated increased permeability based on wide, interendotheHal gap formation and transit of the tracer horseradish peroxidase. Quantification of interendothelial gaps revealed an eleven-fold increase with the Tx mimic relative to untreated endothial cells (p < 0.05) and prevention by pretreatment with the Tx receptor antagonist (p < 0.05). These data indicate that Tx directly modulates the permeability of endothelial cell in vitro.     

Modulation of solute permeability in microvascular endothelium

Modulation of macromolecular permeability involves creation of venular leaks in response to receptor-operated mechanisms in the endothelial cell membrane elicited by various autacoids (histamine, serotonin, bradykinin). Reversible modulations may occur within seconds in response to specific agents, which indicates receptor-mediated events that act via the endothelial cells' contractile apparatus, leading to subtle changes in junctional microtopography and allowing faster passage of small solutes. This mechanism probably involves activation of the actin-myosin system in endothelial cells. Ca2+ is an important signal substance, as reflected in the permeability-increasing effect of calcium ionophores. The junctional control system may share functional similarities with the contractile system in various types of muscle cells, in particular, smooth muscle. This suggests a function for the extensive vesicular invaginations of the plasmalemmal membrane present in endothelial cells. Rather than being a system to carry macromolecules across the endothelium, its physiological role may be to regulate free cytosolic calcium concentration. It is reminiscent of similar membrane invaginations found in muscle cells. Thus intracellular free calcium may be regulated by a combination of energy-requiring extrusion and passive influx through receptor-operated calcium channels located in the invaginated vesicular membranes, with short diffusion distances to the actin-myosin filaments in the cytoplasm.     

Tracer flow,permeability, and partial conductance

Summary It is often not possible to evaluate a permeability coefficient for net flowP from the small flows produced by physiological gradients of concentration or electrical potential. The common use of a tracer permeability coefficientP ^x for this purpose, under the assumption thatP ^x =P, requires that the species be transported passively, and that there be no significant coupling between its flow and that of other chemical species, and between the flows of its tracer and abundant isotopes (isotope interaction). These conditions are often not satisfied. However, for passive transport in the absence of coupling of flows of different chemical species the measurement of tracer flow at two values of electrical potential difference evaluates (P ^x /P) and thusP. In the presence of coupling of flows of different chemical species, although these measurements no longer evaluateP, they evaluate the partial conductanceG. A graphical method of evaluating (P ^x /P),P andG is presented.     

Tracer flow, permeability, and partial conductance.

It is often not possible to evaluate a permeability coefficient for net flow P from the small flows produced by physiological gradients of concentration or electrical potential. The common use of a tracer permeability coefficient P-x for this purpose, under the assumption that P-x = P, requires that the species be transported passively, and that there be no significant coupling between its flow and that of other chemical species, and between the flows of its tracer and abundant isotopes (isotope interaction). These conditions are often not satisfied. However, for passive transport in the absence of coupling of flows of different chemical species the measurement of tracer flow at two values of electrical potential difference evaluates (P-x/P) and thus P. In the presence of coupling of flows of different chemical species, although these measurements no longer evaluate P, they evaluate the partial conductance G. A graphical method of evaluating (p-x/P), P, and G is presented.     

Cosegregation of permeability and single-channel conductance in chimeric connexins

The physiological function of gap junction channels goes well beyond their initially discovered role in electrical synchronization of excitable cells. In most tissues, gap junction cells facilitate the exchange of second messengers and metabolites between cells. To test which parts of the channels formed by connexins determine the exclusion limit for the transit of molecules in the size range of second messengers and metabolites a domain exchange approach was used in combination with an accessibility assay for nonelectrolytes and flux measurements. The experimental results suggest that two open hemichannel forming connexins, Cx46 and Cx32E(1)43, differ in accessibility and permeability. Sucrose is at the exclusion limit for Cx46 channels whereas sorbitol is at the exclusion limit for Cx32E(1)43 channels. In chimeras between these connexins, where the first transmembrane segment M1 is exchanged, the exclusion limits correlate with those of the M1 donor. The same segregation was found in a separate study for the unitary conductance of the channels. Thus, conductance and permeability/accessibility of the channels cosegregate with M1.     

Effect of pH on transepithelial electrical parameters in seawater-adapted eel intestine

The sensitivity to external pH of Cl^- absorption was studied in isolated stripped intestinal mucosa of the eel, Anguilla anguilla, mounted in Ussing chambers. Short-circuit current, transepithelial potential difference and conductance were measured in bathing solutions containing various combinations of HCO₃ ^--concentration (0–25 mmol·l^-1), partial pressure of CO₂ (0–76 mm Hg) and pH (6.9–7.9). A linear relationship was found between pH and short-circuit current in the range of pH studied both in HCO₃ ^-/CO₂ Ringer and in Hepes Ringer. The pH effect was almost completely reversible. It was not affected by the presence of mucosal Ba²⁺ (10^-3 mol·l^-1) but it was inhibited by the presence of luminal (10^-5 mol·l^-1) or serosal (10^-4 mol·l^-1) bumetanide. The results obtained suggest that the Cl^- absorption in the European eel intestine is pH sensitive. The data do not indicate whether the pH affects directly the Na⁺–K⁺–Cl^- cotransport and/or the basolateral Cl^- conductance or other mechanisms indirectly linked to Cl^- absorption.Abbreviations g _t transepithelial conductance - Hepes N-2-Hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid - I _sc short circuit current - R _t transepithelial resistence - V _t transepithelial potential difference     

Automated multi-well device to measure transepithelial electrical resistances under physiological conditions

Measurement of transendothelial or transepithelial electrical resistances (TERs) is a straightforward in situ experimental approach to monitor the expression or modulation of barrier-forming cell-to-cell contacts (tight junctions) in cultured cells grown on porous filters. Although widely accepted, there is currently no device available to automatically measure the time course of TERs under ordinary cell culture conditions (37 degrees C, 5% or 10% CO2). This paper describes a development from our laboratory that is capable of following in parallel the TERs of several filter-grown cell layers with time and in an entirely computer-controlled fashion. The cell cultures can be followed even in long-term experiments without any manual assistance or opening of the incubator Besides reading TER values, this approach also returns the electrical capacitance of the cell layers, which is indicative of the expression of microvilli and other membrane extrusions. The device is based on reading the frequencydependent impedance of the cell layer, followed by equivalent circuit modeling to extract the cell-related parameters. It is compatible with several multi-well formats (up to 96 wells) and controlled by custom-designed software that reads, analyzes, and presents the data.