Sodium Transport in Capillaries Isolated from Rat Brain |
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Authors: | A Lorris Betz |
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Institution: | Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A. |
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Abstract: | Abstract: Brain capillary endothelial cells form a bloodbrain barrier (BBB) that appears to play a role in fluid and ion homeostasis in brain. One important transport system that may be involved in this regulatory function is the Na+,K+-ATPase that was previously demonstrated to be present in isolated brain capillaries. The goal of the present study was to identify additional Na+ transport systems in brain capillaries that might contribute to BBB function. Microvessels were isolated from rat brains and 22Na + uptake by and efflux from the cells were studied. Total 22Na + uptake was increased and the rate of 22Na + efflux was decreased by ouabain, confirming the presence of Na+,K+-ATPase in capillary cells. After inhibition of Na+,K+-ATPase activity, another saturable Na + transport mechanism became apparent. Capillary uptake of 22Na + was stimulated by an elevated concentration of Na +or H+ inside the cells and inhibited by extracellular Na+, H+, Li+, and NH4+. Amiloride inhibited 22Na + uptake with a Ki between 10?5 and 10?6M but there was no effect of 1 mM furosemide on 22Na+ uptake by the isolated microvessels. These results indicate the presence in brain capillaries of a transport system capable of mediating Na +/ Na + and Na +/H + exchange. As a similar transport system does not appear to be present on the luminal membrane of the brain capillary endothelial cell, it is proposed that Na +/H + exchange occurs primarily across the antiluminal membrane. |
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Keywords: | Blood-brain barrier Isolated brain capillaries Sodium transport Na+ K+-ATPase Amiloride |
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