Volume-induced increase of K+ and Cl- permeabilities in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. Role of internal Ca2+

Intracellular calcium in primary cultures of rat renal inner medullary collecting duct cells during variations of extracellular osmolality

There is ample evidence of calcium being an intracellular second messenger during volume regulatory processes in various cells including inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells. Therefore, we measured intracellular calcium concentrations (Cai) under anisotonic conditions in primary cultures of IMCD cells using the Fura-2 technique. Basal steady-state calcium at 600 mosmol/l was found to be 110 +/- 4 nmol/l; n = 119. Exposure to hypotonic medium (300 mosmol/l, reduction of sucrose) resulted, within 1 min, in a strong increase in calcium to 563 +/- 87 nmol/l (n = 7; P < 0.01), followed by a decrease over 4-6 min to twice the initial values. The calcium increase was smaller (260 +/- 14 nmol/l; n = 5; P < 0.05) when the osmotic pressure was decreased by reducing NaCl instead of sucrose. Stepwise reduction of osmolarity to either 500 or 400 mosmol/l increased calcium by a significantly smaller extent, suggesting a threshold for calcium influx between 400 and 300 mosmol/l. In hypotonic calcium-free solutions no significant increase in calcium was observed. Verapamil (40 mumol/l), D-600 (40 mumol/l), diltiazem (40 mumol/l), and nifedipine (40 mumol/l) inhibited the hypotonically induced calcium influx in decreasing order of potency. Lanthanum (La3+) and gadolinium (Gd3+) had no effect. Membrane depolarization by incubation in potassium-rich solution diminished calcium influx. Preincubation with cytochalasin B (50 mumol/l for 30 min) resulted in a lower basal calcium level and attenuated the calcium increase during hypotonic shock. These results demonstrate an increased calcium influx during hypotonic shock in IMCD cells in culture mediated by channels whose nature (stretch activated and/or voltage dependent) remains to be determined. The transient increase in Cai in turn may trigger inorganic and organic osmolyte fluxes observed previously.

A Ca(2+)- and pH-dependent K+ channel of rat C6 glioma cells and its possible role in acidosis-induced cell swelling

The aim of the present study was to explore whether a change in membrane K+ conductance contributes to acidosis-induced swelling of cultured rat C6 glioma cells. Electrophysiological studies were performed using whole-cell and single-channel recordings in combination with cell volume measurements in cell suspension by flow cytometry. Whole-cell recordings revealed a voltage-dependent K+ conductance. The predominant K+ channel in single-channel recordings with symmetrical high K+ concentrations was inwardly rectifying and had conductances of 35 and 15 pS, respectively. A raised internal free Ca2+ concentration and membrane depolarization increased the open probability of this channel. Internal acidosis (pH 6.4-5.4), on the other hand, reduced open probability and single-channel conductance. Both whole-cell and single-channel K+ currents were blocked by quinidine (0.1-1 mM), which was therefore used to analyze the functional consequences of an inhibition of this conductance for cell volume. Thereby, quinidine (1 mM) produced a small (5%) and transient cell swelling of C6 glioma cells. In contrast, acidosis (pH 5.6) caused a much larger (about 20%) and maintained swelling. Since quinidine produced only a minor swelling of C6 cells, it is unlikely that inhibition of the K+ conductance caused acidosis-induced cell swelling. Other mechanisms, such as activation of ion transporters, must therefore be responsible.

Cell volume regulation in human neutrophils: 2-(aminomethyl)phenols as Cl- channel inhibitors

When subjected to hypotonic stress, human peripheral neutrophils initially swell due to rapid water entry and thereafter recover toward the normal cell size (approximately 330 microns 3). Neutrophils do not behave as perfect osmometers: when resuspended in half-isotonic medium (150 mosM), they swell by only approximately 40% rather than doubling in size as predicted for ideal behavior. As with lymphocytes, restoration to the normal cell size involves the net loss of K+ and Cl- from the cytosol through independent conductance pathways. Volume regulation is sensitive to 0.4-1 mM of quinine, UK-5099, 3,5-diiodosalicylate (DISA), MK-473 (an indanyloxyacetate derivative), and to MK-447 [a 2-(aminomethyl)phenol]. From correlation of drug effects on the time course of cell volume recovery and the associated volume-activated 86Rb+ and 36Cl- fluxes, it was evident that quinine blocked only K+ channels, whereas MK-447 acted as a selective inhibitor of Cl- channels. In contrast, UK-5099, DISA, and MK-473 were nonspecific in that the compounds displayed comparable suppressive effects on all three parameters. Structure-activity relationships in the MK-447 series revealed the critical elements of the molecule responsible for drug potency. In particular, the importance of the neighboring ionizable 1-hydroxyl and 2-aminomethyl groups and the formation of secondary ring structures for biological activity is emphasized. The most potent derivative thus far identified, termed analogue A [inhibitor constant (Ki) approximately 16 microM], had a potency approximately sixfold greater than that of the parent compound (Ki approximately 90 microM). These findings define the mechanism of action of a relatively new class of agents that behave as inhibitors of swelling-activated Cl- channels in these cells.

Hyposmotic activation hyperpolarizes outer hair cells of guinea pig cochlea

The electrophysiological responses of isolated guinea pig outer hair cells (OHCs) to hyposmotic activation were studied using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The cell swelling by hyposmotic activation hyperpolarized OHCs by 6.6 +/- 2.3 mV from the resting membrane potential of -58.5 +/- 5.9 mV (n = 48). This hyperpolarization was associated with an outward current (97.7 +/- 22.2 pA, n = 15). The hyperpolarization was inhibited by 300 microM quinine, 5 mN Ba2+ and increasing the extracellular K+ to 30 mM from 5 mM. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+ (1 mM EGTA), the hyperpolarization during hyposmotic activation was also abolished while the following depolarization was preserved. 50 microM GdCl3, which is known to block stretch-activated non-specific cation channels, inhibited the hyperpolarization reversibly. 50 microM GdCl3 also inhibited [Ca2+]i increase during hyposmotic activation as shown by the calcium-sensitive dye fura-2. Simultaneously, the [Ca2+]i increase and the hyperpolarization during hyposmotic activation could be observed using the combined method of whole-cell patch clamp and fura-2 technique. It is concluded that the cell swelling by hyposmotic activation may activate the stretch-activated non-specific cation channels in the OHCs which allow a Ca2+ influx. In turn, this [Ca2+]i increase leads to an activation of the Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels at the basolateral membrane of OHCs which results finally in a reversible hyperpolarization of OHCs by K+ efflux.

Volume-dependent K+ and Cl- fluxes in rat thymocytes

1. Hypotonic stress unmasked inward and outward K+ and Cl- movements in rat thymocytes. This KCl flux stimulation was reduced by DIOA (dihydroindenyl-oxy-alkanoic acid), but not by DIDS (4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonate), quinidine, DPAC 144 (5-nitro-2-(2-phenylethyl-amino)-benzoic acid), bumetanide or ouabain. 2. In isotonic media (308 +/- 5 mosmol kg-1), the cells exhibited the following DIOA-sensitive fluxes: (i) a K+ efflux of 42.7 +/- 17.1 mmol (l cells.h)-1 (mean +/- S.D., n = 7), (ii) a Cl- efflux of 68 +/- 21 mmol (l cells.h)-1 (n = 3), (iii) a Rb+ influx of 9.7 +/- 3.9 mmol (l cells.h)-1 (n = 6) and (iv) a Cl- influx of 9.4 +/- 4.1 mmol (l cells.h)-1 (n = 6). 3. Hypotonic shock (183-200 mosmol kg-1) induced a sevenfold stimulation of DIOA-sensitive K+ and Cl- effluxes and a twofold stimulation of DIOA-sensitive Rb+ and Cl- influxes (with a Rb+ to Cl- stoichiometry of 1.04 +/- 0.31; mean +/- S.D., n = 6). 4. The DIOA-sensitive membrane carrier catalysed net outward KCl extrusion (the outward/inward flux ratio was 5-7 in isotonic media and 20 in hypotonic media at 189 mosmol kg-1). Inhibition of DIOA-sensitive 36Cl- efflux by cell K+ depletion suggested coupling of outward K+ and Cl- fluxes. Conversely, inward K+ and Cl- fluxes were found to be uncoupled in NO3- media and in K(+)-free media. 5. The results clearly show that rat thymocyte membranes possess a 1:1 K(+)-Cl- co-transport system which is strongly activated by hypotonic shock and catalyses net KCl extrusion.

Na+, K+, Cl- cotransport and its regulation in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. Ca2+/calmodulin and protein kinase C dependent pathways

Net Cl- uptake as well as unidirectional 36Cl influx during regulatory volume increase (RVI) require external K+. Half-maximal rate of bumetanide-sensitive 36Cl uptake is attained at about 3.3 mM external K+. The bumetanide-sensitive K+ influx found during RVI is strongly dependent on both Na+ and Cl-. The bumetanide-sensitive unidirectional Na+ influx during RVI is dependent on K+ as well as on Cl-. The cotransporter activated during RVI in Ehrlich cells, therefore, seems to transport Na+, K+ and Cl-. In the presence of ouabain and Ba+ the stoichiometry of the bumetanide-sensitive net fluxes can be measured at 1.0 Na+, 0.8 K+, 2.0 Cl- or approximately 1:Na, 1:K, 2:Cl. Under these circumstances the K+ and Cl- flux ratios (influx/efflux) for the bumetanide-sensitive component were estimated at 1.34 +/- 0.08 and 1.82 +/- 0.15 which should be compared to the gradient for the Na+, K+, 2Cl- cotransport system at 1.75 +/- 0.24. Addition of sucrose to hypertonicity causes the Ehrlich cells to shrink with no signs of RVI, whereas shrinkage with hypertonic standard medium (all extracellular ion concentrations increased) results in a RVI response towards the original cell volume. Under both conditions a bumetanide-sensitive unidirectional K+ influx is activated. During hypotonic conditions a small bumetanide-sensitive K+ influx is observed, indicating that the cotransport system is already activated. The cotransport is activated 10-15 fold by bradykinin, an agonist which stimulates phospholipase C resulting in release of internal Ca2+ and activation of protein kinase C. The anti-calmodulin drug pimozide inhibits most of the bumetanide-sensitive K+ influx during RVI. The cotransporter can be activated by the phorbol ester TPA. These results indicate that the stimulation of the Na+, K+, Cl- cotransport involves both Ca2+/calmodulin and protein kinase C.

Regulation of taurine transport in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells

Taurine influx is inhibited and taurine efflux accelerated when the cell membrane of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells is depolarized. Taurine influx is inhibited at acid pH partly due to the concomitant depolarization of the cell membrane partly due to a reduced availability of negatively charged free carrier. These results are in agreement with a 2Na,1C1,1taurine cotransport system which is sensitive to the membrane potential due to a negatively charged empty carrier. Taurine efflux from Ehrlich cells is stimulated by addition of LTD4 and by swelling in hypotonic medium. Cell swelling in hypotonic medium is known to result in stimulation of the leukotriene synthesis and depolarization of the cell membrane. The taurine efflux, activated by cell swelling, is dramatically reduced when the phospholipase A2 is inhibited indirectly by addition of the anti-calmodulin drug pimozide, or directly by addition of RO 31-4639. The inhibition is in both cases lifted by addition of LTD4. The swelling-induced taurine efflux is also inhibited by addition of the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors ETH 615-139 and NDGA. It is concluded that the swelling-induced activation of the taurine leak pathway involves a release of arachidonic acid from the membrane phospholipids and an increased oxidation of arachidonic acid into leukotrienes via the 5-lipoxygenase pathway. LTD4 seems to act as a second messenger for the swelling induced activation of the taurine leak pathway either directly or indirectly via its activation of the Cl- channels, i.e., via a depolarization of the cell membrane.

Relation between cytoskeleton, hypo-osmotic treatment and volume regulation in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells

Pretreatment with cytochalasin B, which is known to disrupt microfilaments, significantly inhibits regulatory volume decrease (RVD) in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, suggesting that an intact microfilament network is a prerequisite for a normal RVD response. Colchicine, which is known to disrupt microtubules, has no significant effect on RVD. Ehrlich cells have a cortical three-dimensional, orthogonal F-actin filament network which makes the cells look completely black in light microscopy following immunogold/silver staining using anti-actin antibodies. After addition of cytochalasin B, the stained cells get lighter with black dots localized to the plasma membrane and appearance of multiple knobby protrusions at cell periphery. Also, a significant decrease in the staining of the cells is seen after 15 min of RVD in hypotonic medium. This microfilament reorganization appears during RVD in the presence of external Ca2+ or Ca(2+)-ionophore A23187. It is, however, abolished in the absence of extracellular calcium, with or without prior depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores. An effect of increased calcium influx might therefore be considered. The microfilament reorganization during RVD is abolished by the calmodulin antagonists pimozide and trifluoperazine, suggesting the involvement of calmodulin in the process. The microfilament reorganization is also prevented by addition of quinine. This quinine inhibition is overcome by addition of the K+ ionophore valinomycin.

Different patterns of cell volume regulation in hyposmotic media between attached and suspended HeLa cells

Both attached and suspended HeLa cells swelled in a medium of a hypotonic osmolality of 235 mosmol/kg H2O. When the osmolality was further decreased to 166 mosmol/kg H2O, attached cells instantly swelled and then rapidly lost water and K+, followed by slow gains of them. Suspended cells instantly swelled and then K+ loss and regulatory volume decrease (RVD) occurred. Neither 0.1 mM ouabain nor 10 mM TEA changed the water loss of attached cells, whereas ouabain inhibited RVD of suspended cells. Quinine (1 mM) inhibited water losses from both cells and comparison of the losses implies stronger activation of K+ channel in attached cells than in suspended cells. Omission of medium Ca2+ or addition of 10 mM BaCl2 inhibited RVD in part. These results suggest that hyposmotic stress induces net water loss from attached cells, associated with K+ release through the Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channel. Suspended cells osmotically swell, followed by RVD with K+ and Na+ releases through the K+ channel and Na(+)-pump, respectively. The different patterns of volume changes may relate to the difference of activity or time of activation of the K+ channel between both cells.

Activation of basolateral Cl- channels in the rat colonic epithelium during regulatory volume decrease

Exposure to a hypotonic medium caused an increase in the diameter of isolated crypts from the rat colon. The increase in cell volume was only transient and lasted about 7 min. Despite of the continuous presence of the hypotonic medium, cell volume decreased again. This regulatory volume decrease (RVD) was inhibited by 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoate (NPPB), a Cl- channel blocker, and by Ba2+, a K+ channel blocker. Cell-attached patch-clamp recordings revealed that the RVD was associated with the activation of previously silent basolateral channels. These channels were identified after excision of the patch as Cl- channels (28 pS) and as K+ channels (45-60 pS). The RVD was dependent on the presence of external Ca2+. The phospholipase A2 inhibitor, quinacrine, and the lipoxygenase blocker, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, inhibited RVD, while indomethacin had no effect. In Ussing chamber experiments an exposure to hypotonic media caused an initial, transient increase in tissue conductance (Gt), followed by a prolonged decrease in short-circuit current (Isc) and the potential difference (V). The height of the electrical response was dependent on the decrease in the osmolarity in a range from 20 mosmol l-1 to 90 mosmol l-1. The increase in Gt was blocked by NPPB and Ba2+, whereas the decrease in Isc or V was inhibited by NPPB but enhanced by Ba2+.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of osmolality on 86Rb+ uptake and release by Leishmania donovani

Promastigotes from late-log phase cultures of Leishmania donovani were washed and resuspended in Hanks' Balanced Salt Solution without glucose or phenyl red but with 20 mM (N-[2-hydroxyethyl] piperazine-N'-[2-ethanesulfonic acid]) (HEPES) (HBSS-, 305 mOsm/kg). They were then added to a solution containing 86Rb such that the final osmolality and ionic composition was as desired. Samples were taken at known times and the amount of intracellular 86Rb was measured. Similarly, experiments were performed in which 86Rb was added to the cultures about 18 hr before collection, and the amount of 86Rb released from the washed cells was measured. Under iso-osmotic conditions only about 1.3% of the intracellular 86Rb was released in 900 sec. This increased about 4-fold if the osmolality was reduced from 305-153 mOsm/kg. This is much slower than the very rapid release of alanine in response to hypo-osmotic stress, indicating that alanine release is not via a non-specific pore. Reducing the temperature from 26 degrees C to 3-4 degrees C completely inhibits 86Rb release under iso-osmotic conditions and largely inhibits it under hypo-osmotic conditions. The rate of 86Rb release was not sensitive to K+ concentration and was not altered if chloride was replaced by sulfamate. Ouabain had no effect on either 86Rb uptake or release, but carbonylcyanide P-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP) reduced the rate of 86Rb release and, after about a 300 sec exposure, completely inhibited 86Rb uptake. Amiloride partially inhibited 86Rb release, but had no effect on uptake. A decrease in pH from 7.1-5.9 had little effect on 86Rb release under iso-osmotic conditions and slightly increased the rate of release under hypo-osmotic conditions, but it decreased the rate of uptake under both iso-osmotic and hypo-osmotic conditions. Cells taken from 3-day stationary phase cultures released 86Rb more slowly under iso-osmotic conditions than cells from late log phase cultures, but were more responsive to hypo-osmotic stress than were log phase cells. These data appear to rule out an [Na-K-Cl] transporter or a [K-Cl] cotransporter as the means of K+ release, but are consistent with the possibility that a K+/H+ exchanger is present. The possibility that other carrier systems may be present is also discussed.

Characterization of Na(+)-K+ homeostasis of cultured human skin fibroblasts in the presence and absence of fetal bovine serum

Previously, we demonstrated that removal of fetal bovine serum (FBS) from the medium of human skin fibroblasts resulted in an accelerated 86Rb+ washout, decreased cellular K+, and increased Na+ contents. In the present study we examined the mechanism underlying these changes. The efflux rate constant for 86Rb+, and the cellular contents of Na+ and K+ were measured. Verapamil (K1/2 = 15 microM) and chlorpromazine (K1/2 = 1 microM) reduced by approximately 70% the increased 86Rb+ washout evoked by FBS removal. The effect of the two drugs was additive at low, but not high, concentrations. Verapamil and chlorpromazine also attenuated the decrease in cellular K+ content and prevented the increase in cellular Na+ content associated with FBS depletion. Bumetanide (50 microM) was only partially effective in offsetting the enhanced 86Rb+ efflux and was completely without any effect on the cellular Na+ and K+ changes induced by FBS removal. In the presence of FBS, A-23187 produced a slight and transient increase of the 86Rb+ washout. The protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate enhanced the 86Rb+ efflux in FBS-containing medium for a prolonged period but this increase was only a fraction of that caused by serum removal. Cellular Na+ and K+ contents were not changed by the phorbol ester. We conclude that FBS removal raises the cellular Na+ content, and enhances 86Rb+ efflux, through a calmodulin-dependent pathway activated by calcium influx.

Voltage- and Ca(2+)-activated ionic currents in acutely dissociated cells of the chick pineal gland

Previous research on cultured chick pineal cells suggests that melatonin production is modulated by Ca2+ influx through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. The possible existence of other ionic currents was investigated by means of whole-cell recordings from acutely isolated cells. Several different inward and outward currents were identified. Inward currents included L-type Ca2+ currents and voltage-activated tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive Na+ currents. Sodium currents have not been reported previously in pineal cells of any species. These two inward currents were present in the majority of cells. Chick pineal cells also expressed several types of voltage-dependent and Ca(2+)-dependent K+ currents that differed in voltage dependence, kinetics, and pharmacology. These included two Ca(2+)-dependent outward currents which differed in sensitivity to tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA), and at least two distinct voltage-activated K+ currents. Considerable cell-to-cell variation in the amplitude and nature of the evoked outward currents was observed. These ionic currents may be important for the regulation of melatonin synthesis and the modulation of circadian rhythmicity.

Activation of ion transport pathways by changes in cell volume

Swelling-activated K+ and Cl- channels, which mediate RVD, are found in most cell types. Prominent exceptions to this rule include red cells, which together with some types of epithelia, utilize electroneutral [K(+)-Cl-] cotransport for down-regulation of volume. Shrinkage-activated Na+/H+ exchange and [Na(+)-K(+)-2 Cl-] cotransport mediate RVI in many cell types, although the activation of these systems may require special conditions, such as previous RVD. Swelling-activated K+/H+ exchange and Ca2+/Na+ exchange seem to be restricted to certain species of red cells. Swelling-activated calcium channels, although not carrying sufficient ion flux to contribute to volume changes may play an important role in the activation of transport pathways. In this review of volume-activated ion transport pathways we have concentrated on regulatory phenomena. We have listed known secondary messenger pathways that modulate volume-activated transporters, although the evidence that volume signals are transduced via these systems is preliminary. We have focused on several mechanisms that might function as volume sensors. In our view, the most important candidates for this role are the structures which detect deformation or stretching of the membrane and the skeletal filaments attached to it, and the extraordinary effects that small changes in concentration of cytoplasmic macromolecules may exert on the activities of cytoplasmic and membrane enzymes (macromolecular crowding). It is noteworthy that volume-activated ion transporters are intercalated into the cellular signaling network as receptors, messengers and effectors. Stretch-activated ion channels may serve as receptors for cell volume itself. Cell swelling or shrinkage may serve a messenger function in the communication between opposing surfaces of epithelia, or in the regulation of metabolic pathways in the liver. Finally, these transporters may act as effector systems when they perform regulatory volume increase or decrease. This review discusses several examples in which relatively simple methods of examining volume regulation led to the discovery of transporters ultimately found to play key roles in the transmission of information within the cell. So, why volume? Because it's functionally important, it's relatively cheap (if you happened to have everything else, you only need some distilled water or concentrated salt solution), and since it involves many disciplines of experimental biology, it's fun to do.

Specific protein phosphorylation occurs in molluscan red blood cell ghosts in response to hypoosmotic stress

The regulation of cellular volume upon exposure to hypoosmotic stress is accomplished by specific plasma membrane permeability changes that allow the efflux of certain intracellular solutes (osmolytes). The mechanism of this membrane permeability regulation is not understood; however, previous data implicate Ca2+ as an important component in the response. The regulation of protein phosphorylation is a pervasive aspect of cellular physiology that is often Ca2+ dependent. Therefore, we tested for osmotically induced protein phosphorylation as a possible mechanism by which Ca2+ may mediate osmotically dependent osmolyte efflux. We have found a rapid increase in 32Pi incorporation into two proteins in clam blood cell ghosts after exposure of the intact cells to a hypoosmotic medium. The osmotic component of the stress, not the ionic dilution, was the stimulus for the phosphorylations. The osmotically induced phosphorylation of both proteins was significantly inhibited when Ca2+ was omitted from the medium, or by the calmodulin antagonist, chlorpromazine. These results correlate temporally with cell volume recovery and osmolyte (specifically free amino acid) efflux. The two proteins that become phosphorylated in response to hypoosmotic stress may be involved in the regulation of plasma membrane permeability to organic solutes, and thus, contribute to hypoosmotic cell volume regulation.

Regulatory changes in the K+, Cl- and water contents of HeLa cells incubated in an isosmotic high K(+)-medium

HeLa cells had their normal medium replaced by an isosmotic medium containing 80 mM K+, 70 mM Na+ and 100 microM ouabain. The cellular contents of K+ first increased and then decreased to the original values, that is, the cells showed a regulatory decrease (RVD) in size. The initial increase was not inhibited by various agents except by substitution of medium Cl- with gluconate. In contrast, the regulatory decrease was inhibited strongly by addition of either 1 mM quinine, 10 microM BAPTA-AM without medium Ca2+, or 0.5 mM DIDS, and partly by either 1 mM EGTA without medium Ca2+, 10 microM trifluoperazine, or substitution of medium Cl- with NO3-. Addition of DIDS to the NO3(-)-substituted medium further suppressed the K+ loss but the effect was incomplete. Intracellular Ca2+ showed a transient increase after the medium replacement. These results suggest that the initial increase in cell K+ is a phenomenon related to osmotic water movement toward Donnan equilibrium, whereas the regulatory K+ decrease is caused by K+ efflux through Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels. The K+ decrease induced a decrease in cellular water, i.e., RVD. The K+ efflux may be more selectively associated with Cl- efflux through DIDS-sensitive channels than the efflux of other anions.

Similar properties of taurine release induced by potassium and hyposmolarity in the rat retina

Increasing external K+ concentration to 56, 75 or 100 mM stimulated taurine release by 3-, 7- and 11-fold, respectively. The K(+)-evoked release of [3H]taurine was markedly delayed, sustained and Ca(2+)-independent, in clear contrast to the usual neurotransmitter release pattern. These high K+ concentrations caused a marked increase in retinal cell volume which was prevented by removal of Cl-, or in hyperosmotic solutions. In these conditions [3H]taurine release also was abolished, suggesting an association of taurine efflux and cell swelling. Taurine release was also markedly increased 10- and 20-fold upon reduction of external osmolarity by 25 and 50%, respectively. Both, K(+)- and hyposmolarity-induced release were markedly inhibited by DIDS and quinidine. Total inhibition of the K(+)-evoked release was observed at 200 microM DIDS or 1 mM quinidine, whereas the drugs inhibited the hyposmolarity-evoked release by 50 and 68% respectively, at these concentrations. It is suggested that swelling is the signal for the K(+)-induced taurine release from rat retina.

Calcium-dependent control of volume regulation in renal proximal tubule cells: I. Swelling-activated Ca2+ entry and release

The mechanism of Ca(2+)-dependent control of hypotonic cell volume regulation was investigated in the isolated, nonperfused renal proximal straight tubule. When proximal tubules were exposed to hypotonic solution with 1 mM Ca2+, cells swelled rapidly and then underwent regulatory volume decrease (RVD). This treatment resulted in an increase in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) by a mechanism that had two phases: the first was a transient increase from baseline (136 nM) to a peak (413 nM) that occurred in the first 15-20 sec, but was followed by a rapid decay toward the pre-swelling levels. The second phase was characterized by a sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i above the baseline (269 nM), which was maintained over several minutes. The dependence of these two phases on extracellular Ca2+ was determined. Reduction of bath [Ca2+] to 10 or 1 microM partially diminished the transient phase, but abolished the sustained phase completely, such that [Ca2+]i fell below the baseline levels during RVD. It was concluded that the transient increase resulted predominantly from swelling-activated release of intracellular Ca2+ stores and that the sustained phase was due to swelling-activated Ca2+ entry across the plasma membrane. Ca2+ entry probably also contributed to the transient increase in [Ca2+]i. The time dependence of swelling-activated Ca2+ entry was also investigated, since it was previously shown that RVD was characterized by a "calcium window" period (less than 60 sec), during which extracellular Ca2+ was required. Outside of this time period, RVD would inactivate and could not be reactivated by subsequent addition of Ca2+. It was found that the Ca2+ permeability did not inactivate over several minutes, indicating that the temporal dependence of RVD on extracellular Ca2+ is not due to the transient activation of a Ca2+ entry pathway.

Inability of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells to volume regulate following a hyperosmotic challenge

Ehrlich cells shrink when the osmolality of the suspending medium is increased and behave, at least initially, as osmometers. Subsequent behavior depends on the nature of the hyperosmotic solute but in no case did the cells exhibit regulatory volume increase. With hyperosmotic NaCl an osmometric response was found and the resultant volume maintained relatively constant. Continuous shrinkage was observed, however, with sucrose-induced hyperosmolality. In both cases increasing osmolality from 300 to 500 mOSM initiated significant changes in cellular electrolyte content, as well as intracellular pH. This was brought about by activation of the Na+/H+ exchanger, the Na/K pump, the Na+ + K+ + 2Cl cotransporter and by loss of K+ via a Ba-sensitive pathway. The cotransporter in response to elevated [Cl-]i (approximately 100 mM) and/or the increase in the outwardly directed gradient of chemical potential for Na+, K+ and Cl-, mediated net loss of ions which accounted for cell shrinkage in the sucrose-containing medium. In hyperosmotic NaCl, however, the net Cl- flux was almost zero suggesting minimal net cotransport activity. We conclude that volume stability following cell shrinkage depends on the transmembrane gradient of chemical potential for [Na+ + K+ + Cl-], as well as the ratio of intra- to extracellular [Cl-]. Both factors appear to influence the activity of the cotransport pathway.

Osmolarity-sensitive release of free amino acids from cultured kidney cells (MDCK)

The amino acid pool of MDCK cells was essentially constituted by alanine, glycine, glutamic acid, serine, taurine, lysine, beta-alanine and glutamine. Upon reductions in osmolarity, free amino acids were rapidly mobilized. In 50% hyposmotic solutions, the intracellular content of free amino acids decreased from 69 to 25 mM. Glutamic acid, taurine and beta-alanine were the most sensitive to hyposmolarity, followed by glycine, alanine and serine, whereas isoleucine, phenylalanine and valine were only weakly reactive. The properties of this osmolarity-sensitive release of amino acids were examined using 3H-taurine. Decreasing osmolarity to 85, 75 or 50% increased taurine efflux from 0.6% per min to 1.6, 3.5 and 5.06 per min, respectively. The time course of 3H-taurine release closely follows that of the regulatory volume decrease in MDCK cells. Taurine release was unaffected by removal of Na+, Cl- or Ca2+, or by treating cells with colchicine or cytochalasin. It was temperature dependent and decreased at low pH. Taurine release was unaffected by bumetanide (an inhibitor of the Na+/K+/2Cl- carrier); it was inhibited 16 and 67 by TEA and quinidine (inhibitors of K+ conductances), unaffected by gadolinium or diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (inhibitors of Cl- channels) and inhibited 50% by DIDS. The inhibitory effects of DIDS and quinidine were additive. Quinidine but not DIDS inhibited taurine uptake by MDCK cells.

Volume regulation in rat pheochromocytoma cultured cells submitted to hypoosmotic conditions

The mechanisms at work in cell volume regulation have been studied in PC12 cultured cells. Results show, for the first time to our knowledge, that the volume readjustment process occurring after application of a hypoosmotic saline is sensitive to amiloride, IBMX and forskoline. The process is also inhibited by quinine hydrochloride and trifluoperazine. Volume readjustment is concomtant with a decrease in K+ and Cl- intracellular levels. The decrease in K+ level can be related to an assymetrical change in the fluxes in and out of the ion as shown by flux kinetics studies using Rb86. These results are interpreted considering that the control of the activity of the ion channel pathways associated with volume readjustment in PC12 cells may implicate the Ca(2+)-calmodulin - cAMP system.

Volume regulation of nerve terminals

Pinched-off presynaptic nerve terminals (synaptosomes) possess significant regulatory volume increase (RVI) and regulatory volume decrease (RVD) capabilities. Following a swelling induced by a hypotonic challenge, the synaptosomes regulate their volume and adjust it, in 2 min, to within 5% of its initial value (RVD) at an initial rate of -0.77 +/- 0.10%/s (mean +/- SEM). Following a shrinking induced by a hypertonic challenge, the synaptosomes also regulate their volume at an initial rate of 0.18 +/- 0.02%/s (RVI), resulting in a new steady state, reached within 5-10 min, with a synaptosomal volume below the original volume. The omission of Na+ or K+ ions from the extrasynaptosomal medium reduces the initial rate of RVI by 72.5 and 66.5%, respectively. The "loop diuretics" bumetanide and furosemide significantly inhibited the RVI of the synaptosomes. In contrast, ouabain, amiloride, or 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid did not have any significant effect on RVI parameters. Furthermore, bumetanide-sensitive 86Rb uptake by rat brain synaptosomes was stimulated threefold by a hypertonic perturbation of 30%. Thus we conclude that the RVI of synaptosomes is mainly due to a stimulation of the Na+, K+, Cl- co-transport system induced by the synaptosomal shrinking following the hypertonic challenge.

Inhibition of Na-K-C1 cotransport in Ehrlich ascites cells by antiserum against purified proteins of the cotransporter

Two proteins were purified earlier from solubilized membranes of Ehrlich ascites cells by using a bumetanide-Sepharose affinity column. These proteins were proposed to be constituents of the Na-K-C1 cotransporter. However, the specificity of binding of bumetanide to the cotransporter was insufficient evidence for this proposal. We now have direct evidence that the purified protein contains components of the cotransporter. Antiserum raised against the bumetanide-binding proteins strongly inhibits Na-K-C1 cotransport measured by two independent methods. Cotransport was induced by hypertonic challenge and was measured as the bumetanide-sensitive portion of unidirectional C1 influx and as regulatory cell volume increase. In both assays, cotransport was strongly inhibited by the antiserum. Fab fragments of the antibodies inhibited cotransport to a similar extent.

Aldosterone and PCO2 enhance K-dependent chloride absorption in rat distal colon

We have previously demonstrated that, in the absence of Na+ in vitro, the rate of colonic K+ absorption is increased by increasing PCO2. Chronic secondary hyperaldosteronism induced by dietary Na-depletion further stimulated K+ absorption under these conditions. Because the observed increments in CO2-dependent K+ absorption were not accompanied by corresponding changes in short-circuit current, macroscopic electroneutrality must have been maintained either by anion absorption or by cation secretion. Colonic Cl- absorption is known to respond to increased PCO2 both in vivo and in vitro, but its response under Na-free conditions and the relationship to K+ absorption have not been examined. To determine the relationship of Cl- absorption to K+, we measured unidirectional fluxes of 36Cl and the response to PCO2 in voltage-clamped segments of rat distal colon. Our findings indicate that the rate of Cl- absorption is increased by increasing CO2, both in the presence and absence of Na+. Under Na-free conditions, Cl- absorption is inhibited by acetazolamide and by the absence of K+;K+ absorption (86Rb or 42K flux) is inhibited in a reciprocal fashion by the absence of Cl-. The rates of K+ and Cl- absorption are similar in controls and after secondary hyperaldosteronism due to a Na-deficient diet. These findings suggest that K- and Cl- absorption are closely coupled under Na-free conditions, most likely due to the operation of parallel, aldosterone-responsive H(+)-K+ and Cl(-)-HCO3- exchange pathways.

Biphasic rises in cytosolic free Ca2+ in association with activation of K+ and Cl- conductance during the regulatory volume decrease in cultured human epithelial cells

During exposure to a hypotonic solution (55% osmolarity), cultured human epithelial (Intestine 407) cells exhibit a regulatory volume decrease after osmotic swelling. This process is known to involve parallel activation of volume-regulatory K+ and Cl- conductances. Biphasic increase in the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were observed by microspectrofluorometry, in fura-2-loaded cells upon hypotonic stress. Electrophysiological studies with Ca2(+)-selective and conventional microelectrodes indicated that a biphasic [Ca2+]i increase was associated with a biphasic hyperpolarization, whereas an interposing [Ca2+]i decrease coincided with a transient depolarization. A Ca2+ ionophore, ionomycin, produced a sustained Ca2+ increase and a prolonged hyperpolarization which was sensitive to the K+ channel blocker, quinine. A subsequent hypotonic challenge gave rise to a depolarization, which was sensitive to a stilbene-derivative Cl- channel blocker, without inducing further changes in [Ca2+]i. Normal cell volume regulation in a hypo-osmotic medium could take place even in the presence of ionomycin. It is concluded that a biphasic [Ca2+]i increase is closely associated with activation of the volume-regulatory K+ conductance, and that the interposing [Ca2+]i decrease is neither a causative factor for activation of the volume-regulatory Cl- conductance nor a prerequisite for regulatory volume decrease in epithelial cells exposed to a hypotonic solution.

Effect of potassium on cell volume regulation in renal straight proximal tubules

The present study was designed to assess for the influence of extracellular potassium and of inhibitors of potassium transport on cell volume regulatory decrease in isolated perfused straight proximal tubules of the mouse kidney. Volume regulatory decrease is virtually unaffected when bath potassium concentration is elevated from 5 to 20 mmol/liter, and still persists, albeit significantly retarded, in the presence of the potassium channel blocker barium on both sides of the epithelium and during virtually complete dissipation of the transmembrane potassium gradient by increasing extracellular potassium concentration to 40 mmol/liter. As evident from electrophysiologic observations, barium blocks the potassium conductance of the basolateral cell membrane. Reduction of bicarbonate concentration and increase of H+ concentration in the bath solution cannot compensate for enhanced potassium concentration and cell volume regulatory decrease is not affected in the presence of the K/H exchange inhibitor omeprazole. Similarly cell volume regulatory decrease is not affected by ouabain. In conclusion, potassium movements through potassium channels in the basolateral cell membrane are important determinants of cell volume and may participate in cell volume regulatory decrease. However, a powerful component of cell volume regulatory decrease in straight proximal tubules of the mouse kidney is apparently independent of potassium conductive pathways, K/H exchange and Na+/K(+)-ATPase.

Role of Ca2+ in sorbitol release from rat inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells under hypoosmotic stress

The role of Ca2+ was studied in the release of the organic osmolyte sorbitol from rat IMCD cells in response to hypoosmotic stress. When cells were exposed to hypoosmotic media, sorbitol release was greatly reduced in Ca-free media which, on readmission of Ca2+, returned to control values. Under isoosmotic conditions, the ionophore A23187 stimulated sorbitol release without any effect on cell volume. Addition of trifluoperazine, a calmodulin inhibitor, but not the protein kinase C inhibitor H-7, inhibited the osmotically-activated sorbitol release. These results suggest that sorbitol release is a calmodulin-dependent event, possibly activated by a rise in intracellular calcium as a result of cell swelling.

Calcium-dependent volume reduction in regenerating ganglion cell axons in vitro

The effects of increasing [Ca2+]i on volume regulatory behavior was investigated by phase-contrast videomicroscopy in immature axons regenerating from goldfish retinal explants in vitro. Elevating [Ca2+]i by using EGTA-buffered, ionomycin-containing bathing media with either greater than or equal to 100 microM [Ca2+]o or 1 microM [Ca2+]o with N-methylglucamine substituted for Na+ caused axons to undergo a "syneresis." The syneresis was characterized by a marked loss in volume and condensation of axoplasm, accompanied by a proliferation of lateral processes, which resulted ultimately in an arrest of visible particle transport. The random appearance of dynamic phase-lucent axial protrusions in the distal axon, apparently caused by microtubules, was a frequent early manifestation. Syneresis was also produced by increasing the tonicity of the Cortland saline with sorbitol or treating axons with either valinomycin or with permeant cyclic AMP analogs in normal Cortland saline. In the latter case, extracellular Ca2+ was required. Preterminal axons showed an increase in phalloidin fluorescence after syneresis, suggesting polymerization and/or rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton. Digitonin-permeabilized axonal field models, which maintained good morphology and particle transport, failed to develop a syneresis even when [Ca2+]o was increased to 250 microM. Cytochalasin D did not interfere with the development of a syneresis, but did suppress the proliferation of lateral processes. Syneresis could be blocked by high [K+]o, putative antagonists of Ca2(+)-activated K+ channels, or by calmidazolium, a calmodulin antagonist. The experimental findings suggest that cytoskeletal changes associated with volume reduction in growing retinal ganglion cell axons are secondary to a loss of cell water and that calcium/calmodulin-activated K+ channels very likely play a primary role in dehydration through the loss of K+ and osmotically obligated water.

Potassium conductances in tracheal epithelium activated by secretion and cell swelling

Increased basolateral membrane K conductance accompanies stimulation of Cl secretion across canine trachea. To assess the K conductance properties, we permeabilized the apical membranes with amphotericin B and monitored the current and conductance caused by K flow across the basolateral membranes. Under basal unstimulated conditions, two K conductances could be distinguished by blockers. One was inhibited only by barium; the other was sensitive also to quinidine and lidocaine. The permeabilities of the basal conductance pathways to K and Rb were similar (PK/PRb approximately equal to 1.5). The secretory agonist, epinephrine, selectively increased the quinidine-insensitive conductance, implicating it in the Cl secretory response. Cell swelling induced a third conductance with a low permeability to Rb (PK/PRb approximately equal to 10) that was quinidine sensitive. In tissues not treated with amphotericin, neither quinidine nor Rb-for-K replacement inhibited transepithelial Cl secretion. Thus neither of the quinidine-sensitive K conductances (basal or swelling induced) contribute to the increase in basolateral K conductance during Cl secretion. Cell shrinkage inhibited all three conductances and secretion, suggesting that the initial priority of the cell is volume regulation.

Cytoplasmic acidification and activation of Na+/H+ exchange during regulatory volume decrease in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells

Ehrlich ascites tumor cells undergoing regulatory volume decrease (RVD) exhibit cytoplasmic acidification as measured by an intracellular fluorescent pH indicator. The acidification results in an activation of the Na+/H+ exchanger. The intracellular pH 'set point' for the activation is estimated to be around 7.0. The activation of the Na+H+ exchanger leads to an incomplete RVD. In support of this conclusion, amiloride and Na+-free medium, known to limit the Na+/H+ exchange, indeed enhance the RVD response. Intracellular acidification and activation of Na+/H+ exchange may be a general response of cells undergoing RVD.

A nonselective cation channel in rat liver cells is activated by membrane stretch

A 16-pS channel was studied using patch-clamp electrophysiology in freshly dissociated rat liver cells and rat hepatoma cells. The channel was found to be cation selective and permeable to Na+, K+, and Ca2+. Its gating was unaffected by addition of the calcium ionophore A23187 (5 microM) in the presence of extracellular Ca2+ (2 mM). Ca2+ channel blockers, nifedipine, verapamil, and lanthanum, failed to inhibit the channel. The channel was activated by stretch, applied as suction to the interior of the patch pipette, and by cell swelling, induced by hypotonic shock or organic solute uptake (10 mM L-alanine). Channel activation by cell swelling was transient, lasting approximately 1 min. An elevation in cytosolic Ca2+ was evoked by hypotonic shock, as measured using the fluorescent indicator indo-1/AM. This change in intracellular Ca2+ concentration was dependent on extracellular Ca2+. Inasmuch as the time course for this response corresponded to that of channel activation, it is likely that hypotonic shock stimulated Ca2+ influx through the stretch-activated channel. To determine the role for Ca2+ influx in regulatory volume decrease (RVD), cell volume changes after hypotonic shock were studied using a Coulter counter. RVD was slightly but significantly inhibited by depletion of extracellular Ca2+. On the basis of these results it is proposed that stretch-activated channels in liver cells permit the transient influx of Ca2+, which in turn acts to trigger changes in ion conductance or cytoskeletal components involved in cell volume regulation.

Regulatory volume increase in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells

Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, shrunken as a result of KCl-depletion and Na+ loading, re-establish normal ionic concentrations by the combined activity of the Na+/K+ pump and the (2Cl- + K+ + Na+) cotransport system. Restoration of cell volume, however, correlates only with the increase in intracellular Cl-. This along with the finding that the equilibrium volume is linearly related to the steady state [Cl-] suggests that the extent to which cell volume increases is determined by Cl- transport. Net Cl- uptake, which is mediated almost exclusively by the cotransport system, is ultimately responsible for establishing the steady-state intracellular Cl- concentration. Transport mediated by this pathway ceases when the sum of the chemical potentials for Na+, K+ and Cl- approaches zero and corresponds with the establishment of a steady state for Cl-. These findings suggest that Cl- plays a key role in the regulation of net cotransport activity and thereby cell volume.

Volume-sensitive release of taurine from cultured astrocytes: properties and mechanism

Release of taurine in response to cell swelling induced by hyposmolarity was observed in cultured astrocytes. Efflux of 3H-taurine increased by 30% and 70% upon reductions in osmolarity of only 5% and 10%. Reductions in osmolarity of 20%, 30%, and 50% stimulated basal taurine release by 300%, 500%, and 1,500%, respectively. The properties of this volume-sensitive release of taurine were examined to investigate: 1) its association with K+ and Cl- fluxes, currently activated during volume regulation: 2) its relationship with Ca2(+)-dependent reactions; and 3) the mechanism of the taurine efflux process. Taurine release was unaffected by removal of Na+, Ca2+, or Cl-, by pimozide and trifluoperazine, or by agents disrupting the cytoskeleton. The K+ channel inhibitors barium, quinidine, tetraethylammonium, and gadolinium had no effect. Taurine release was reduced by furosemide, a blocker of K+/Cl- cotransport, but not by the more specific inhibitor, bumetanide. It was markedly reduced by the inhibitors of Cl- channels DIDS, SITS, and anthracene-9-carboxylate. Taurine efflux was pH-dependent, being reduced at low pH values. It was decreased at 4 degrees C but not at 14 degrees C or 20 degrees C. These results suggest that the volume-sensitive release of taurine is independent of K+ fluxes but may be associated with Cl- conductances. It also seems unrelated to Ca2(+)-dependent transduction mechanisms. The Na(+)-dependent taurine carrier apparently is not involved in the swelling-induced release process.

Membrane potential, anion and cation conductances in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells

The fluorescence intensity of the dye 1,1'-dipropylox-adicarbocyanine (DiOC3-(5] has been measured in suspensions of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells in an attempt to monitor their membrane potential (Vm) under different ionic conditions, after treatment with cation ionophores and after hypotonic cell swelling. Calibration is performed with gramicidin in Na+-free K-/choline-media, i.e., standard medium in which NaCl is replaced by KCl and cholineCl and where the sum of potassium and choline is kept constant at 155 mM. Calibration by the valinomycin "null point" procedure described by Laris et al. (Laris, P.C., Pershadsingh, A., Johnstone, R.M., 1976, Biochim, Biophys. Acta 436:475-488) is shown to be valid only in the presence of the Cl- -channel blocker indacrinone (MK196). Distribution of the lipophilic anion SCN- as an indirect estimation of the membrane potential is found not to be applicable for the fast changes in Vm reported in this paper. Incubation with DiOC3-(5) for 5 min is demonstrated to reduce the Cl permeability by 26 +/- 5% and the NO3- permeability by 15 +/- 2%, while no significant effect of the probe could be demonstrated on the K+ permeability. Values for Vm, corrected for the inhibitory effect of the dye on the anion conductance, are estimated at -61 +/- 1 mV in isotonic standard NaCl medium, -78 +/- 3 mV in isotonic Na+-free choline medium and -46 +/- 1 mV in isotonic NaNO3 medium. The cell membrane is depolarized by addition of the K+ channel inhibitor quinine and it is hyperpolarized when the cells are suspended in Na+-free choline medium, indicating that Vm is generated partly by potassium and partly by sodium diffusion. Ehrlich cells have previously been shown to be more permeable to nitrate than to chloride. Substituting NO3- for all cellular and extracellular Cl- leads to a depolarization of the membrane, demonstrating that Vm is also generated by the anions and that anions are above equilibrium. Taking the previously demonstrated single-file behavior of the K+ channels into consideration, the membrane conductances in Ehrlich cells are estimated at 10.4 microS/cm2 for K+, 3.0 microS/cm2 for Na+, 0.6 microS/cm2 for Cl- and 8.7 microS/cm2 for NO3-. Addition of the Ca2+-ionophore A23187 results in net loss of KCl and a hyperpolarization of the membrane, indicating that the K+ permeability exceeds the Cl- permeability also after the addition of A23187. The K+ and Cl- conductances in A23187-treated Ehrlich cells are estimated at 134 and 30 microS/cm2, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Coordinated regulation of intracellular K+ in the proximal tubule: Ba2+ blockade down-regulates the Na+,K+-ATPase and up-regulates two K+ permeability pathways

To avoid large changes in cell K+ content and volume during variations in Na+,K+-ATPase activity, Na+-transporting epithelia must adjust the rate of K+ exit through passive permeability pathways. Recent studies have shown that a variety of passive K+ transport mechanisms may coexist within a cell and may be functionally linked to the activity of the Na+,K+-ATPase. In this study, we have identified three distinct pathways for passive K+ transport that act in concert with the Na+,K+-ATPase to maintain intracellular K+ homeostasis in the proximal tubule. Under control conditions, the total K+ leak of the tubules consisted of discrete Ba2+-sensitive (approximately 65%), quinine-sensitive (approximately 20%), and furosemide-sensitive (approximately 10%) pathways. Following inhibition of the principal K+ leak pathway with Ba2+, the tubules adaptively restored cell K+ content to normal levels. This recovery of cell K+ content was inhibited, in an additive manner, by quinine and furosemide. Following adaptation to Ba2+, the tubules exhibited a 30% reduction in Na+-K+ pump rate coupled with an increase in K+ leak by means of the quinine-sensitive (approximately 70%) and furosemide-sensitive (approximately 280%) pathways. Thus, the proximal tubule maintains intracellular K+ homeostasis by the coordinated modulation of multiple K+ transport pathways. Furthermore, these results suggest that, like Ba2+, other inhibitors of K+ conductance will cause compensatory changes in both the Na+-K+ pump and alternative pathways for passive K+ transport.

pH effects on basolateral membrane ion conductances in gallbladder epithelium

The pH sensitivity of the basolateral membrane voltage of Necturus gallbladder epithelial cells (Vcs) was evaluated with conventional and pH-sensitive intracellular microelectrodes. Elevating solution CO2 from 1 to 5% (at constant [HCO3-] = 10 mM) caused a depolarization of Vcs from -76 +/- 3 to -60 +/- 2 mV and a decrease in intracellular pH (pHi) from 7.36 +/- 0.04 to 7.05 +/- 0.03. Serosal exposure to a 50 mM HCO3(-)-5% CO2 solution [at constant extracellular pH (pHo)] caused a similar cell acidification (delta pHi = 0.27), whereas at 3 min Vcs was unchanged. Exposure to 1 mM HCO3- (at constant CO2) depolarized Vcs from -77 +/- 2 to -56 +/- 2 mV and caused a small decrease in pHi (from 7.36 +/- 0.03 to 7.33 +/- 0.03). These results indicate that the observed depolarizations of Vcs are attributable to changes in pHo and not in pHi. Basolateral membrane potassium conductance (GK) congruent to chloride conductance (GCl) congruent to 0.50 mS/cm2 in 10 mM HCO3(-)-1% CO2 Ringer. The depolarization of Vcs caused by elevation of serosal [K+] in 50 mM HCO3(-)-5% CO2 was similar to that observed under control conditions. In contrast, the depolarization of Vcs elicited by elevating serosal [K+] was reduced by about two-thirds in 1 mM HCO3-, whereas the depolarization caused by reduction of serosal [Cl-] was increased twofold in 1 mM HCO3-, compared with control. Inasmuch as the apparent ratio of membrane resistances remained unchanged during serosal solution acidification, the most likely explanation for the observed decrease in Vcs is a reduction of basolateral K+ permeability concomitant with an increase in Cl- permeability.

Mercuric chloride activates latent, anion-dependent cation transport systems in the plasma membrane of Ehrlich ascites tumour cells

Electronic cell sizing of Ehrlich ascites tumour cells is presented as a biological test system for assessment of membrane associated effects of toxic compounds. Ehrlich ascites tumour cells readjust their cell volume after osmotic swelling in hypotonic media. This regulatory process (Regulatory Volume Decrease, RVD) involves a net loss of KCl from the cells. Addition of HgCl2 (1 microM) results in a Cl- -dependent acceleration of RVD in hypotonic medium. Cells in isotonic Cl- -containing medium shrink upon addition of HgCl2 due to a Cl- -dependent net loss of K+. In addition, a Cl- -dependent net uptake of Na+ was also seen in the presence of HgCl2. It is concluded that HgCl2 activates a latent K+, Cl- cotransport as well as Na+, Cl- cotransport in Ehrlich cells.

Isolation and reconstitution of furosemide-binding proteins from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells

Furosemide-binding proteins were isolated from cholate-solubilized membranes of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells by affinity chromatography, using furosemide as ligand. Solubilized proteins retarded by the affinity material were eluted by furosemide. In reducing and denaturing gels, the major proteins eluted by furosemide were 100 and 45 kDa. In nonreducing, non-denaturing gels, homodimers of both polypeptides were found, whereas no oligomeric proteins containing both polypeptides were seen. It is concluded that the furosemide gel binds two distinct dimeric proteins. The isolated proteins were reconstituted into phospholipid vesicles and the K+ transport activity of these vesicles was assayed by measurement of 86Rb+ uptake against a large opposing K+ gradient. The reconstituted system was found to contain a K+ transporting protein, which is sensitive to Ba2+ like the K+ channel previously demonstrated to be activated in intact cells after cell swelling.

Evidence of calmodulin involvement in cell volume recovery following hypo-osmotic stress

An influx of Ca2+ into red blood cells of the bivalve mollusc Noetia ponderosa occurs immediately following a hypo-osmotic stress. The volume recovery response to the stress is dependent upon [Ca2+]o and is inhibited by phenothiazines. The action of these drugs is on the amino acid regulation portion of the recovery rather than on the ionic portion. Since the phenothiazines are non-specific in action, we have conducted several experiments to decide the site of phenothiazine action on the volume recovery response. The sulfoxide derivatives of both chlorpromazine and trifluoperazine have no effect on volume regulation at the same dose where the parent compound inhibits. At 50-100 times the concentration of the parent compound, the derivatives block both volume regulation and taurine efflux. The phorbol ester, TPA, an activator of protein kinase C, alters the volume recovery, but does so by affecting K+ rather than amino acid regulation. The only phenothiazine target that we can not rule out is calmodulin, which we also demonstrate to be present in the clam red cells. Thus, the data presented suggest that calmodulin is involved in the amino acid regulatory portions of the volume recovery in response to hypo-osmotic swelling.