Fluid transport, ATP level and ATPase activities in isolated rabbit corneal endothelium

The effect of certain biochemical parameters on transendothelial fluid transport has been studied. Cellular ATP level and (Na⁺ + K⁺)-activated as well as Mg²⁺-activated ATPase activities were measured by ultramicrotechniques using individual rabbit corneal endothelium after they had been subjected to in vitro perfusion with solutions fully supplemented or deficient singly or severally in glucose, adenosine and glutathione (GSH). With the complete medium, the transport system operates in vitro for approx. 6 h. Deletion of glucose alone, glucose and adenosine or glucose, adenosine and GSH brings about a cessation of fluid transport after 3.5 h, 2 to 2.5 h and 0.5 to 1 h, respectively. A marked decrease (62%) of the endothelial ATP level, however, occurs only when all metabolites are omitted. The favorable effect of GSH on transport activity is attributable to its capacity to sustain cellular ATP rather than to protect the functionality of (Na⁺ + K⁺)-activated ATPase. Adenosine, in the presence of GSH, maintains normal ATP levels and, additionally, exerts a protective effect on Mg²⁺-activated ATPase and possibly also on (Na⁺ + K⁺)-activated ATPase.