Measurement of human nasal potential difference to teach the theory of transepithelial fluid transport

We describe a novel student course in membrane physiology in which students record their own nasal potential difference, i.e., the transepithelial potential difference of the respiratory mucosa in the nose. The nasal potential difference monitors directly, and in vivo, changes in the apical cell membrane potential of the respiratory mucosa induced by activators and inhibitors of ion channel activities. Basic principles of transepithelial fluid transport are taught by applying an appropriate perfusion protocol to the respiratory epithelium to either depolarize or hyperpolarize the membrane potential of the luminal cell side, thereby increasing or decreasing the nasal potential difference. This course was given at the Department of Physiology at the University of Würzburg in 1997, and responses of the students as reported on questionnaires were mainly positive.

MR imaging and localized proton MR spectroscopy in late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis

PURPOSE

Late juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) is a lysosomal neurodegenerative disorder caused by the accumulation of lipopigment in neurons. Our purpose was to characterize the MR imaging and spectroscopic findings in three children with late infantile NCL.

METHODS

Three children with late infantile NCL and three age-matched control subjects were examined by MR imaging and by localized MR spectroscopy using echo times of 135 and 5. Normalized peak integral values were calculated for N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline, creatine, myo-inositol, and glutamate/glutamine.

RESULTS

MR imaging revealed volume loss of the CNS, most prominently in the cerebellum. The T2-weighted images showed a hypointense thalamus and hyperintense periventricular white matter. Proton MR spectra revealed progressive changes, with a reduction of NAA and an increase of myo-inositol and glutamate/glutamine. In long-standing late infantile NCL, myo-inositol became the most prominent resonance. Lactate was not detectable.

CONCLUSION

MR imaging in combination with proton MR spectroscopy can facilitate the diagnosis of late infantile NCL and help to differentiate NCL from other neurometabolic disorders, such as mitochondrial or peroxisomal encephalopathies.

Migrating transformed MDCK cells are able to structurally polarize a voltage-activated K+ channel

Cell migration of transformed renal epithelial cells (MDCK-F) depends-in addition to cytoskeletal mechanisms-on the polarized activity of a Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel in the rear part of the cells. However, because of the lack of specific markers for this channel we are not able to determine whether a polarized distribution of the channel protein underlies its functional polarization. To determine whether the migrating MDCK-F cells have retained the ability to target K+ channels to distinct membrane areas we stably transfected the cells with the voltage-dependent K+ channel Kv1.4. Stable expression and insertion into the plasma membrane could be shown by reverse transcription-PCR, genomic PCR, Western blot, and patch-clamp techniques, respectively. The distribution of Kv1.4 was assessed with indirect immunofluorescence by using conventional and confocal microscopy. These experiments revealed that Kv1.4 is expressed only in transfected cells where it elicits the typical voltage-dependent, rapidly inactivating K+ current. The Kv1.4 protein is clustered at the leading edge of protruding lamellipodia of migrating MDCK-F cells. This characteristic distribution of Kv1.4 provides strong evidence that migrating MDCK-F cells are able to insert ion channels into the plasma membrane in an asymmetric way, which reflects the polarization of migrating cells in the plane of movement. These findings suggest that not only epithelial cells and nerve cells, but also migrating cells, can create functionally distinct plasma membrane areas.

The atomic force microscope detects ATP-sensitive protein clusters in the plasma membrane of transformed MDCK cells

Plasma membrane proteins are supposed to form clusters that allow 'functional cross-talk' between individual molecules within nanometre distance. However, such hypothetical protein clusters have not yet been shown directly in native plasma membranes. Therefore, we developed a technique to get access to the inner face of the plasma membrane of cultured transformed kidney (MDCK) cells. The authors applied atomic force microscopy (AFM) to visualize clusters of native proteins protruding from the cytoplasmic membrane surface. We used the K+ channel blocker iberiotoxin (IBTX), a positively charged toxin molecule, that binds with high affinity to plasma membrane potassium channels and to atomically flat mica. Thus, apical plasma membranes could be 'glued' with IBTX to the mica surface with the cytosolic side of the membrane accessible to the scanning AFM tip. The topography of these native inside-out membrane patches was imaged with AFM in electrolyte solution mimicking the cytosol. The plasma membrane could be clearly identified as a lipid bilayer with the characteristic height of 4.9 +/- 0.02 nm. Multiple proteins protruded from the lipid bilayer into the cytosolic space with molecule heights between 1 and 20 nm. Large protrusions were most likely protein clusters. Addition of the proteolytic enzyme pronase to the bath solution led to the disappearance of the proteins within minutes. The metabolic substrate ATP induced a shape-change of the protein clusters and smaller subunits became visible. ADP or the non-hydrolysable ATP analogue, ATP-gamma-S, could not exert similar effects. It is concluded that plasma membrane proteins (and/or membrane associated proteins) form 'functional clusters' in their native environment. The 'physiological' arrangement of the protein molecules within a cluster requires ATP.

Imaging excised apical plasma membrane patches of MDCK cells in physiological conditions with atomic force microscopy

We combined the patch-clamp technique with atomic force microscopy (AFM) to visualize plasma membrane proteins protruding from the extracellular surface of cultured kidney cells (MDCK cells). To achieve molecular resolution, patches were mechanically isolated from whole MDCK cells by applying the patch-clamp technique. The excised inside-out patches were transferred on freshly cleaved mica and imaged with the AFM in air and under physiological conditions (i. e. in fluid). Thus, the resolution could be increased considerably (lateral and vertical resolutions 5 and 0.1 nm, respectively) as compared to experiments on intact cells, where plasma membrane proteins were hardly detectable. The apical plasma membrane surface of the MDCK cells showed multiple protrusions which could be identified as membrane proteins through the use of pronase. These proteins had a density of about 90 per micron(2), with heights between 1 and 9 nm, and lateral dimensions of 20-60 nm. Their frequency distribution showed a peak value of 3 nm for the protein height. A simplified assumption - modelling plasma membrane proteins as spherical structures protruding from the lipid bilayer - allowed an estimation of the possible molecular weights of these proteins. They range from 50 kDa to 710 kDa with a peak value of 125 kDa. We conclude that AFM can be used to study the molecular structures of membranes which were isolated with the patch-clamp technique. Individual membrane proteins and protein clusters, and their arrangement and distribution in a native plasma membrane can be visualized under physiological conditions, which is a first step for their identification.

Life on biomembranes viewed with the atomic force microscope

Since its invention in 1986, the atomic force microscope (AFM) has become one of the most widely used near-field microscopes. Surfaces of hard samples are imaged almost routinely with atomic resolution. Soft biological surfaces, however, are still challenging. In this brief review, the AFM technique is introduced to the experimental biologist. We discuss recent data on imaging molecular structures of biomembranes, and give detailed information on the application of the AFM with three representative examples. One is imaging plasma membrane turnover of transformed renal epithelial cells during migration in vivo, another is visualizing a cloned and isolated potassium channel usually located in kidney, and a third is imaging macromolecular pore complexes of the nuclear envelope of aldosterone-sensitive kidney cells and of Xenopus laevis oocytes. The review ends with the conclusion that nuclear pores can serve as birthday candles on a Guglhupf.

Intracellular Ca2+ distribution in migrating transformed epithelial cells

Migration of transformed Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK-F) cells depends on the polarized activity of a Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel. We tested whether a gradient of intracellular Ca2+-concentration ([Ca2+]i) underlies the horizontal polarization of K+ channel activity. [Ca2+]i was measured with the fluorescent dye fura-2/AM. Spatial analysis of [Ca2+]i indicated that a horizontal gradient exists, with [Ca2+]i being higher in the cell body than in the lamellipodium. Resting and maximal levels during oscillations of [Ca2+]i in the cell body were found to be 135 +/- 34 and 405 +/- 59 nml/l, respectively, whereas they were 79 +/- 18 and 307 +/- 102 nmol/l in the lamellipodium. This gradient can partially explain the preferential activation of K+ channels in the plasma membrane of the cell body. We applied a local superfusion technique during migration experiments and measurements of [Ca2+]i to test whether its maintenance is due to an uneven distribution of Ca2+ influx into migrating MDCK-F cells. Locally superfusing the cell body of migrating MDCK-F cells with La3+ alone or together with charybdotoxin, a specific blocker of Ca2+-sensitive K+ channels, slowed migration to 47 +/- 10% and 9 +/- 5% of control, respectively. Local blockade of Ca2+ influx into the cell body and the lamellipodium with la3+ was followed by a decrease of [Ca2+]i at both cell poles. This points to Ca2+ influx occurring over the entire cell surface. This conclusion was confirmed by locally superfusing Mn2+ over the cell body and the lamellipodium. Fura-2 fluorescence was quenched in both areas, the decrease of fluorescence being two to three times faster in the cell body than in the lamellipodium. However, this difference is insufficient to account for the observed gradient of [Ca2+]i. We hypothesize that the polarized distribution of intracellular Ca2+ stores contributes significantly to the generation of a gradient of [Ca2+]i.

Extracellular detection of K+ release during migration of transformed Madin-Darby canine kidney cells

Madin Darby canine kidney cells transformed by alkaline stress (MDCK-F cells) constitutively migrate at a rate of about 1 microm.min-1. Migration depends on the intermittent activity of a Ca2+-stimulated, 53-pS K+ channel (KCa channel) that is inhibitable by charybdotoxin. In the present study we examined whether this intermittent KCa channel activity results in a significant K+ loss across the plasma membrane. K+ efflux from MDCK-F cells should result in a transient increase of extracellular K+ ([K+]e) in the close vicinity of a migrating cell. However, due to the rapid diffusion of K+ ions into the virtually infinite extracellular space, such a transient increase in [K+]e was too small to be detected by conventional K+-selective electrodes. Therefore, we developed a "shielded ion-sensitive microelectrode" (SIM) that limited diffusion to a small compartment, formed by a shielding pipette which surrounded the tip of the K+-sensitive microelectrode. The SIM improved the signal to noise ratio by a factor of at least three, thus transient increases of [K+]e in the vicinity of MDCK-F cells became detectable. They occurred at a rate of 1.3 min-1. The cell releases 40 fmol K+ during each burst of intermittent KCa channel activity, which corresponds to about 15% of the total cellular K+ content. Since transmembrane K+ loss must be accompanied by anion loss and therefore leads to a decrease of cell volume, these findings support the hypothesis that intermittent volume changes are a prerequisite for the migration of MDCK-F cells.

[Intranasal administration of midazolam (Dormicum) in young children in emergency medicine]

A method for sedation of preschool children in emergency medicine is presented. Midazolam (Dormicum) is frequently used in premedication in children. Various routes of administration have been described for this drug. After use of nasal administration of midazolam for premedication we also used this method for sedation of children in emergencies. This technique provides rapid onset and cardiovascular stability while maintaining spontaneous ventilation. In two case reports the first results are demonstrated; the method is evaluated and discussed.

Pressure threshold for fluid loss from the peritoneal cavity

Ascites or dialysis fluid in the peritoneal cavity causes fluid loss from the cavity to the body. Experiments in animals and in humans have shown that the fluid loss rate increases with large increments in the intraperitoneal hydrostatic pressure (Pip). We hypothesized that there is a low-threshold Pip above which this fluid loss occurs. Because the full Pip force is exerted across the abdominal wall (AW), we further hypothesized that fluid movement into the abdominal wall would vary directly with the Pip. To address these questions, we dialyzed rats for 3 h in the supine position at constant levels of Pip with isotonic and hypertonic dialysis solutions containing a protein marker of fluid movement. We measured total fluid loss, AW fluid-marker concentration, and lymph flow. With variation of Pip from 0 to 8 cmH2O, we found that 1) lymph flows (0.61 +/- 0.03 ml/h) were not dependent on Pip, 2) measured isotonic fluid loss rate varied from 0.29 +/- 0.06 ml/h at 0 cmH2O to 0.62 +/- 0.02 at 2 cmH2O and then rose in a linear fashion to 5.06 +/- 0.10 ml/h at 8 cmH2O, 3) fluid movement into the AW paralleled the measured fluid loss rate, and 4) protein clearance from the cavity overestimated the true fluid loss because of adsorption of the marker to the peritoneal surface. We conclude that, although peritoneal lymph flow is not dependent on intraperitoneal hydrostatic or osmotic pressure, fluid loss from the cavity and fluid loss to the abdominal wall are directly proportional to Pip > 2 cmH2O. We also note that protein markers of fluid movement require correction for tissue surface adsorption for accurate results.

Rapid activation of calcium-sensitive Na+/H+ exchange induced by 20-hydroxyecdysone in salivary gland cells of Drosophila melanogaster

Ecdysteroids play an important role in the larval moulting process of insects. 20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) causes the induction of specific 'puffs' in polytene chromosomes of Drosophila melanogaster salivary gland cells. Although it is known that inorganic ions control pretranscriptional processes in the cell nucleus, the intracellular mechanisms of gene activation are still unclear. Therefore, we examined the effects of 20E on plasma membrane ion transport of Drosophila melanogaster salivary gland cells. Isolated glands of the third larval stage were superfused with a solution mimicking the haemolymph. The relative K+ conductance of the cell membrane (tK+) was measured with microelectrodes by performing ion substitution experiments. Under control conditions tK+ averaged to 0.16 + 0.02 (n = 15). Addition of 5 x 10(-6) M 20E increased tK+ within 2 min by 19.1 +/- 4.2% (n = 15). This rapid response to 20E was elicited only in the presence of calcium. Moreover, starting from a steady-state intracellular pH of 7.20-7.60, 20E induced a rise in cytoplasmic pH by 0.27 +/- 0.06 (n = 6) within minutes. Amiloride (10(-3) M), a blocker of plasma membrane Na+/H+ exchange, prevented the 20E-induced intracellular alkalinization. We conclude that 20E activates a calcium-sensitive plasma membrane Na+/H+ exchange leading to a rise of plasma membrane K+ conductance and intracellular alkalinization both being prerequisites for steroid hormone induced gene activation.

Polarized ion transport during migration of transformed Madin-Darby canine kidney cells

Epithelial cells lose their usual polarization during carcinogenesis. Although most malignant tumours are of epithelial origin little is known about ion channels in carcinoma cells. Previously, we observed that migration of transformed Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK-F) cells depended on oscillating K+ channel activity. In the present study we examined whether periodic K+ channel activity may cause changes of cell volume, and whether K+ channel activity is distributed in a uniform way in MDCK-F cells. After determining the average volume of MDCK-F cells (2013+/-270 microm3; n=8) by means of atomic force microscopy we deduced volume changes by calculating the K+ efflux during bursts of K+ channel activity. Therefore, we measured the membrane conductance of MDCK-F cells which periodically rose by 22.3+/-2.5 nS from a resting level of 6.5+/-1.4 nS (n=12), and we measured the membrane potential which hyperpolarized in parallel from -35.4+/-1.2 mV to -71.6+/-1.8 mV (n=11). The distribution of K+ channel activity was assessed by locally superfusing the front or rear end of migrating MDCK-F cells with the K+ channel blocker charybdotoxin (CTX). Only exposure of the rear end to CTX inhibited migration providing evidence for "horizontal" polarization of K+ channel activity in transformed MDCK-F cells. This is in contrast to the "vertical" polarization in parent MDCK cells. We propose that the asymmetrical distribution of K+ channel activity is a prerequisite for migration of MDCK-F cells.

Xenopus laevis oocyte: using living cells to teach the theory of cell membrane potential

We describe a student course in membrane physiology that includes demonstration of the cell membrane potential of a living cell, the Xenopus laevis oocyte. By use of K+ macroelectrodes and a computer simulation program, students are introduced to the membrane concept on the basis of ion gradients, diffusion potentials, and membrane conductances. Subsequently, some basic principles are demonstrated in living cells by measuring the cell membrane potential of a X. laevis oocyte. The dependence of the cell membrane potential on ion gradients is shown by stepwise elevation of the extracellular K+ concentration. The clinical relevance of disturbances of the K+ homeostasis is discussed in this context. The effect of changing the membrane conductance for particular ions on the cell membrane potential is demonstrated by applying a K+ channel blocker. The experiments are discussed in the context of the action of pharmaceuticals and toxins. This student course on membrane physiology has now been held for 2 yr for medical and dental students, and their response to the oocyte demonstration, as evaluated by a student questionnaire, was mainly positive.

Imaging nuclear pores of aldosterone-sensitive kidney cells by atomic force microscopy

In nuclei of renal target cells, aldosterone enhances transcriptional activity followed by the translocation of specific RNA molecules across the nuclear envelope. Trafficking between cell nucleus and cytoplasm occurs via nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) located in the double-layered nuclear envelope. We investigated the nucleocytoplasmic transport route by structure-function analysis at subcellular level in quiescent and aldosterone-stimulated cells. With atomic-force microscopy (AFM) we imaged individual pores of the nuclear surface of cultured kidney cells and related the number of pores per micron2 to nuclear envelope conductance (Gn, per micron2) evaluated electrically by current injection into the isolated nucleus. NPCs were equally distributed resembling "donut-like" structures with outer diameters of 134 +/- 12 nm (n = 50), each equipped with a central channel. Six hours of aldosterone exposure (0.1 microM) increased the number of NPCs per micron 2 of nuclear surface from 7.4 +/- 0.4 to 9.8 +/- 0.4 (n = 12; P < 0.01). At the same time Gn rose from 6900 +/- 520 to 9600 +/- 610 pS/micron2 paralleled by an increase of the intranuclear electrical potential from -2.8 +/- 0.2 to -6.2 +/- 0.4 mV (n = 18; P < 0.01). Assuming that NPCs represent the sole conductive pathway in the nuclear envelope, we calculate a mean single NPC conductance of 932 and 980 pS, in the absence and presence of aldosterone, respectively. We conclude that aldosterone facilitates nucleocytoplasmic transport by increasing the number of NPCs but not by modifying their biophysical properties. Possibly, aldosterone controls similar transport mechanisms in both plasma membrane and nuclear envelope.

Pharmacokinetics of torasemide and its metabolites in end-stage renal disease

The pharmacokinetics of torasemide, a new loop diuretic, as well as its active metabolites M1 and M3, and its inactive main metabolite, M5, were studied in 12 patients with end-stage renal failure during single i.v. (n = 6) or single oral (n = 6) dosing of 200 mg torasemide, and during chronic oral treatment for 9 days (n = 12). The elimination half-life (t1/2) of torasemide was unchanged in renal failure, whereas t1/2 of the torasemide metabolites M1, M3, and M5 were markedly prolonged. However t1/2 as well as the area under the plasma level time curve of torasemide and its metabolites were unchanged during chronic compared to acute administration. The results of this study suggest that despite the increased half-life of torasemide metabolites M1, M3 and M5 in end-stage renal failure patients, no accumulation of the parent drug torasemide and its metabolites during chronic dosing is demonstrable.

Alkaline Stress-Induced Cell Transformation

Sustained alkalosis transforms epithelial cells in culture. Genotypically altered cells express an endogenous Ca2+ oscillator that probably is the motor for restless locomotion of these cells. Atomic force microscopy discloses membrane turnover processes during cell migration at the nanometer level.

Oscillating activity of a Ca(2+)-sensitive K+ channel. A prerequisite for migration of transformed Madin-Darby canine kidney focus cells

Migration plays an important role in the formation of tumor metastases. Nonetheless, little is known about electrophysiological phenomena accompanying or underlying migration. Previously, we had shown that in migrating alkali-transformed Madin-Darby canine kidney focus (MDCK-F) cells a Ca(2+)-sensitive 53-pS K+ channel underlies oscillations of the cell membrane potential. The present study defines the role this channel plays in migration of MDCK-F cells. We monitored migration of individual MDCK-F cells by video imaging techniques. Under control conditions, MDCK-F cells migrated at a rate of 0.90 +/- 0.03 microns/min (n = 201). Application of K+ channel blockers (1 and 5 mmol/liter Ba2+, 5 mmol/liter tetraethylammonium, 100 mumol/liter 4-aminopyridine, 5 nmol/liter charybdotoxin) caused marked inhibition of migration, pointing to the importance of K+ channels in migration. Using patch-clamp techniques, we demonstrated the sensitivity of the Ca(2+)-sensitive 53-pS K+ channel to these blockers. Blockade of this K+ channel and inhibition of migration were closely correlated, indicating the necessity of oscillating K+ channel activity for migration. Migration of MDCK-F cells was also inhibited by furosemide or bumetanide, blockers of the Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter. We present a model for migration in which oscillations of cell volume play a central role. Whenever they are impaired, migration is inhibited.

Extracellular pH determines the rate of Ca2+ entry into Madin-Darby canine kidney-focus cells

We investigated the relationship between intracellular Ca2+ and pH homeostasis in Madin-Darby canine kidney-focus (MDCK-F) cells, a cell line exhibiting spontaneous oscillations of intracellular Ca2+ concentration (Ca2+i). Ca2+i and intracellular pH (pHi) were measured with the fluorescent dyes Fura-2 and BCECF by means of video imaging techniques. Ca2+ influx from the extracellular space into the cell was determined with the Mn2+ quenching technique. Cells were superfused with HEPES-buffered solutions. Under control conditions (pH 7.2), spontaneous Ca2+i oscillations were observed in virtually all cells investigated. Successive alkalinization and acidification of the cytoplasm induced by an ammonia ion prepulse had no apparent effect on Ca2+i oscillations. On the contrary, changes of extracellular pH value strongly affected Ca2+i oscillations. Extracellular alkalinization to pH 7.6 completely suppressed oscillations, whereas extracellular acidification to pH 6.8 decreased their frequency by 40%. Under the same conditions, the respective pHi changes were less than 0.1 pH units. However, experiments with the Mn2+ quenching technique revealed that extracellular alkalinization significantly reduced Ca2+ entry from the extracellular space. Large increases of Ca2+i triggered by the blocker of the cytoplasmic Ca(2+)-ATPase, thapsigargin, had no effect on pHi. We conclude: intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis in MDCK-F cells is pH dependent. pH controls Ca2+ homeostasis mainly by effects on the level of Ca2+ entry across the plasma membrane. On the contrary, the intracellular pH value seems to be insensitive to rap changes of Ca2+i.

Comparative pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of loop diuretics in renal failure

Loop diuretics increase the fractional excretion of volume, sodium, potassium, chloride and calcium in all stages of renal failure, and their potency is directly correlated with these excretory activities. Tubular secretion of loop diuretics in renal failure is impaired both by reduced renal blood flow and by reduced activity of the tubular carrier system. For these reasons, high concentrations of diuretics in the peritubular capillaries are necessary to guarantee delivery of sufficient drug to their site of action in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle. Piretanide and furosemide have a constant extrarenal elimination and thus accumulate in renal failure. Decreased renal excretion of bumetanide is compensated by hepatic elimination and hence bumetanide does not accumulate. Elimination of torasemide is also independent of its renal excretion. Thus in renal failure, torasemide is the only loop diuretic in which the plasma concentration is strictly dose dependent. Loop diuretics follow a number of different metabolic pathways, but this may not be clinically relevant.

Cell transformation induces a cytoplasmic Ca2+ oscillator in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells

Alkaline stress transforms Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells as indicated by loss of epithelial structure, multilayer cell growth and formation of foci. In the present study we report that transformed MDCK cells (MDCK-F cells) exhibit spontaneous and lasting oscillations of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), which are absent in non-transformed cells. Oscillations, as revealed by Fura-2 video imaging, were due to the activity of an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-(InsP3)-sensitive Ca2+ store since their frequency was dependent on bradykinin concentration and they were abolished by the phosphoinositidase C inhibitor U73122. Moreover, blockers of the cytoplasmic Ca(2+)-ATPase, thapsigargin and 2,5-di-(tetr-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone inhibited oscillatory activity. In contrast, neither injection of ruthenium red, ryanodine nor caffeine had any effect on oscillations. Analysis of the spatial distribution of [Ca2+]i showed that Ca2+ transients originated from an initiation site constant for a given cell and spread through the cell as an advancing Ca2+ wave. Oscillations started in a random manner from single cells and spread over neighbouring cells, suggesting a kind of intercellular communication. We conclude that MDCK-F cells have acquired the ability for endogenous Ca2+ release through transformation. Oscillations are primarily due to the activity of an InsP3-sensitive cytosolic Ca2+ oscillator.

Cytoplasmic Ca2+ determines the rate of Ca2+ entry into Mardin-Darby canine kidney-focus (MDCK-F) cells

Transformed Mardin-Darby canine kidney-focus (MDCK-F) cells exhibit spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations from an inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate-sensitive cytoplasmic Ca2+ store. In this study, Ca2+ entry from the extracellular space and its role in generation of oscillations were investigated by means of Ca2+ video imaging and the Fura-2/Mn2+ quenching technique. Oscillations were dependent on extracellular Ca2+ concentration and were inhibited by extracellularly applied La3+, Co2+ and Ni2+. Depolarization of the cell membrane with high K+ concentrations and the L-type Ca2+ channel blocker nifedipine had no effect on oscillations, indicating the lack of involvement of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Mn2+ quenching experiments disclosed significant Ca2+ influx into MDCK-F cells. The rate of this influx was constant between Ca2+ spikes, but markedly increased during the spontaneous Ca2+ spikes. Similar transient increases in Ca2+ entry could be mimicked by agents triggering intracellular Ca2+ release such as bradykinin and thapsigargin. We conclude that the plasma membrane of MDCK-F cells exhibits a marked voltage-independent Ca2+ permeability permitting Ca2+ entry into the cytoplasm. The rate of Ca2+ entry which determines the frequency of oscillations is most likely to be regulated by the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration.

20-OH-ecdysone swells nuclear volume by alkalinization in salivary glands of Drosophila melanogaster

Ecdysteroids play an important role in the larval moulting process of insects. Ecdysone-induced stimulation causes specific "puffs" in polytene chromosomes of salivary gland cells resulting in nuclear swelling. During this process, changes of intracellular ion composition are thought to act as an early regulatory mechanism of gene activation. By use of video-imaging analysis and electrophysiological techniques, we examined ecdysone-induced nuclear swelling in Drosophila salivary glands in situ and its dependence on pH and calcium. Isolated glands of the third larval stage were superfused with a solution mimicking the haemolymph. Addition of 5 x 10(-6) mol/1 20-OH-ecdysone led, after a lag period of 50 min, to a sustained Ca(2+)-dependent increase of nuclear volume by 23.0 +/- 2.3%. Amiloride, a blocker of plasma membrane Na+/H+ exchange, prevented 20-OH-ecdysone-induced nuclear swelling. Decreasing pH in the superfusate from 7.15 to 6.8 led to nuclear shrinkage by 16.9 +/- 3.9%. Measurements of pH in salivary gland cells with ion-sensitive microelectrodes disclosed an alkalinization of 0.23 +/- 0.05 pH units after stimulation with 20-OH-ecdysone. We postulate that 20-OH-ecdysone activates the amiloride-sensitive plasma membrane Na+/H+ exchanger. This leads to intracellular alkalinization and concomitant decondensation of the nuclear chromatin visible as nuclear swelling. Thus, cell alkalinization could be a potentially important stimulatory mechanism in mediating ecdysteroid-induced activation of the cell nucleus.

Spontaneously oscillating K+ channel activity in transformed Madin-Darby canine kidney cells

Intracellular alkalinization is known to be associated with tumorigenic transformation. Besides phenotypical alterations alkali-transformed Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells exhibit a spontaneously oscillating cell membrane potential (PD). Using single-channel patch clamp techniques, it was the aim of this study to identify the ion channel underlying the rhythmic hyperpolarizations of the PD. In the cell-attached patch configuration, we found that channel activity was oscillating. The frequency of channel oscillations is 1.1 +/- 0.1 min-1. At the peak of oscillatory channel activity, single-channel current was -2.7 +/- 0.05 pA, and in the resting state it was -1.95 +/- 0.05 pA. Given the single-channel conductance of 53 +/- 3 pS for inward (and of 27 +/- 5 pS for outward) current the difference of single-channel current amplitude corresponded to a hyperpolarization of approximately 14 mV. The channel is selective for K+ over Na+. Channel kinetics are characterized by one open and by three closed time constants. The channel is Ca2+ sensitive. Half maximal activation in the inside-out patch mode is achieved at a Ca2+ concentration of 10 mumol/liter. In addition, we also found a 13-pS K+ channel that shows no oscillatory activity in the cell-attached patch configuration and that was not Ca2+ sensitive. We conclude that the Ca(2+)-sensitive 53-pS K+ channel is underlying spontaneous oscillations of the PD. It has virtually identical biophysical properties as a Ca(2+)-sensitive K+ channel in nontransformed parent MDCK cells. Hence, alkali-induced transformation of MDCK cells did not affect the channel protein itself but its regulators thereby causing spontaneous fluctuations of the PD.