Mechanism of uphill chloride transport of the mouse lacrimal acinar cells: studies with Cl- -sensitive microelectrode

Na+ -K+ -2Cl- Cotransporter (NKCC) Physiological Function in Nonpolarized Cells and Transporting Epithelia

Two genes encode the Na+ -K+ -2Cl- cotransporters, NKCC1 and NKCC2, that mediate the tightly coupled movement of 1Na+ , 1K+ , and 2Cl- across the plasma membrane of cells. Na+ -K+ -2Cl- cotransport is driven by the chemical gradient of the three ionic species across the membrane, two of them maintained by the action of the Na+ /K+ pump. In many cells, NKCC1 accumulates Cl- above its electrochemical potential equilibrium, thereby facilitating Cl- channel-mediated membrane depolarization. In smooth muscle cells, this depolarization facilitates the opening of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels, leading to Ca2+ influx, and cell contraction. In immature neurons, the depolarization due to a GABA-mediated Cl- conductance produces an excitatory rather than inhibitory response. In many cell types that have lost water, NKCC is activated to help the cells recover their volume. This is specially the case if the cells have also lost Cl- . In combination with the Na+ /K+ pump, the NKCC's move ions across various specialized epithelia. NKCC1 is involved in Cl- -driven fluid secretion in many exocrine glands, such as sweat, lacrimal, salivary, stomach, pancreas, and intestine. NKCC1 is also involved in K+ -driven fluid secretion in inner ear, and possibly in Na+ -driven fluid secretion in choroid plexus. In the thick ascending limb of Henle, NKCC2 activity in combination with the Na+ /K+ pump participates in reabsorbing 30% of the glomerular-filtered Na+ . Overall, many critical physiological functions are maintained by the activity of the two Na+ -K+ -2Cl- cotransporters. In this overview article, we focus on the functional roles of the cotransporters in nonpolarized cells and in epithelia. © 2018 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 8:871-901, 2018.

Localization of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase α/β, Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl-cotransporter 1 and aquaporin-5 in human eccrine sweat glands

In order to evaluate the function of the repaired or regenerated eccrine sweat glands, we must first localize the proteins involved in sweat secretion and absorption in normal human eccrine sweat glands. In our studies, the cellular localization of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase α/β, Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl-cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) and aquaporin-5 (AQP5) in eccrine sweat glands were detected by immunoperoxidase labeling. The results showed that Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase α was immunolocalized in the cell membrane of the basal layer and suprabasal layer cells of the epidermis, the basolateral membrane of the secretory coils, and the cell membrane of the outer cells and the basolateral membrane of the luminal cells of the ducts. The localization of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase β in the secretory coils was the same as Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase α, but Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase β labeling was absent in the straight ducts and epidermis. NKCC1 labeling was seen only in the basolateral membrane of the secretory coils. AQP5 was strongly localized in the apical membrane and weakly localized in the cytoplasm of secretory epithelial cells. The different distribution of these proteins in eccrine sweat glands was related to their functions in sweat secretion and absorption.

Molecular determinants of hyperosmotically activated NKCC1-mediated K+/K+ exchange

Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransport (NKCC) mediates the movement of two Cl(-) ions for one Na(+) and one K(+) ion. Under isosmotic conditions or with activation of the kinases SPAK/WNK4, the NKCC1-mediated Cl(-) uptake in Xenopus laevis oocytes, as measured using (36)Cl, is twice the value of K(+) uptake, as determined using (86)Rb. Under hyperosmotic conditions, there is a significant activation of the bumetanide-sensitive K(+) uptake with only a minimal increase in bumetanide-sensitive Cl(-) uptake. This suggests that when stimulated by hypertonicity, the cotransporter mediates K(+)/K(+) and Cl(-)/Cl(-) exchange. Although significant stimulation of K(+)/K(+) exchange was observed with NKCC1, a significantly smaller hyperosmotic stimulatory effect was observed with NKCC2. In order to identify the molecular determinant(s) of this NKCC1-specific activation, we created chimeras of the mouse NKCC1 and the rat NKCC2. Swapping the regulatory amino termini of the cotransporters neither conferred activation to NKCC2 nor prevented activation of NKCC1. Using unique restrictions sites, we created additional chimeric molecules and determined that the first intracellular loop between membrane-spanning domains one and two and the second extracellular loop between membrane-spanning domains three and four of NKCC1 are necessary components of the hyperosmotic stimulation of K(+)/K(+) exchange.

Genetically encoded chloride indicator with improved sensitivity

Chloride (Cl) is the most abundant physiological anion. Abnormalities in Cl regulation are instrumental in the development of several important diseases including motor disorders and epilepsy. Because of difficulties in the spectroscopic measurement of Cl in live tissues there is little knowledge available regarding the mechanisms of regulation of intracellular Cl concentration. Several years ago, a CFP-YFP based ratiometric Cl indicator (Clomeleon) was introduced [Kuner, T., Augustine, G.J. A genetically encoded ratiometric indicator for chloride: capturing chloride transients in cultured hippocampal neurons. Neuron 2000; 27: 447-59]. This construct with relatively low sensitivity to Cl (K(app) approximately 160 mM) allows ratiometric monitoring of Cl using fluorescence emission ratio. Here, we propose a new CFP-YFP-based construct (Cl-sensor) with relatively high sensitivity to Cl (K(app) approximately 30 mM) due to triple YFP mutant. The construct also exhibits good pH sensitivity with pK(alpha) ranging from 7.1 to 8.0 pH units at different Cl concentrations. Using Cl-sensor we determined non-invasively the distribution of [Cl](i) in cultured CHO cells, in neurons of primary hippocampal cultures and in photoreceptors of rat retina. This genetically encoded indicator offers a means for monitoring Cl and pH under different physiological conditions and high-throughput screening of pharmacological agents.

Fluid secretion and the Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter in mouse exorbital lacrimal gland

We have previously suggested that fluid flow in the mouse exorbital lacrimal gland is driven by the opening of apical Cl- and K+ channels. These ions move into the lumen of the gland and water follows by osmosis. In many tissues, the Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter (NKCC1) replaces the Cl- and K+ ions that move into the lumen. We hypothesize that mouse exorbital lacrimal glands would have NKCC1 co-transporters and that they would be important in fluid transport by this gland. We used immunocytochemistry to localize NKCC1-like immunoreactivity to the membranes of the acinar cells as well as to the basolateral membranes of the duct cells. We developed a method to measure tear flow and its composition from mouse glands in situ. Stimulation with the acetylcholine agonist carbachol produced a peak flow followed by a plateau. Ion concentration measurements of this stimulated fluid showed it was high in K+ and Cl-. Treatment of the gland with furosemide, a blocker of the NKCC1 cotransporter, reduced the plateau phase of fluid flow by approximately 30%. Isolated cells exposed to a hypertonic shock shrank by approximately 20% and then showed a regulatory volume increase (RVI). Both the RVI and swelling were blocked by treatment with furosemide. Cells isolated from these glands shrink by approximately 10% in the presence of carbachol. Blocking NKCC1 with furosemide reduced the amount of shrinkage by approximately 50%. These data suggest that NKCC1 plays an important role in fluid secretion by the exorbital gland of mice.

Disturbance of regulation of sodium by cis-diamminedichloroplatinum in perilymph of the guinea pig cochlea

We studied the acute effects of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (CDDP) on the cochlear partition and inner ear fluid in the guinea pig. At 48 hours after the administration of a single intramuscular injection of CDDP, 12.5 mg/kg of body weight, the endocochlear resting potential (EP) was significantly decreased to 32.1 +/- 1.8 mV in the treated animals, versus 80.6 +/- 1.0 mV in the control animals. There was a significant rise in potassium (K+), sodium (Na+), and chlorine (Cl-) in the endolymph of the animals treated with CDDP as compared with the control animals. Only Na+ was found to increase significantly in the perilymph, reaching more than twice the level of the control animals; both K+ and Cl- remained within the normal range. Serum electrolytes also remained within the normal range. Evaluation of modified ionic permeabilities across the endolymph-perilymph barrier showed an apparent increase in Na+ permeability and a normal range of K+ and Cl- permeabilities. Histopathologic examination of the cochlea showed a moderate collapse of the endolymphatic space, with atrophy of the stria vascularis and destruction of the outer hair cells. The findings suggest that the acute changes produced in the cochlea by administration of CDDP were attributable to a breakdown in the regulation of Na+ metabolism in the perilymph.

Mechanism of lack of development of negative endocochlear potential in guinea pigs with hair cell loss

The endocochlear potential (EP), and the concentration of K+, Na+ and Cl- were measured simultaneously in endolymph of guinea pigs. The EP was 85.6 +/- 0.8 mV in normal guinea pigs, 90.7 +/- 0.8 mV in the kanamycin-treated animals, and 91.6 +/- 1.2 mV in those treated with nitrogen mustard-N-oxide (NMNO). Thirty minutes after the onset of anoxia, the EP (negative EP) was -29.3 +/- 1.0 mV in the normal group, -0.2 +/- 1.0 mV in the kanamycin-treated group, and -1.9 +/- 1.3 mV in the NMNO-treated group. The permeability coefficients of K+ (Pk), Na+ (Pna) and Cl- (Pcl) across the endolymph-perilymph barrier during the period of 20-30 min after the onset of anoxia in the normal group were (341.6 +/- 38.2) x 10(-9) cm3 sec-1, (53.0 +/- 8.1) x 10(-9) cm3 sec-1 and (111.8 +/- 27.2) x 10(-9) cm3 sec-1, respectively. Pk was decreased in the kanamycin- and NMNO-treated groups. Pna did not differ between the normal and treated groups. Pcl was increased in the kanamycin- and NMNO-treated groups. The K+:Na+:Cl- permeability ratio was 1:0.16:0.32 in the normal group, 1:1.12:11.6 in the kanamycin-treated group, and 1:0.44:5.60 in the NMNO-treated group. The results indicate that the lack of development of a negative EP in the kanamycin- and NMNO-treated guinea pigs was attributable to the increased Pcl and the decreased Pk across the endolymph-perilymph barrier, probably the organ of Corti, during anoxia.

Effects of intra- and extracellular H+ and Na+ concentrations on Na(+)-H+ antiport activity in the lacrimal gland acinar cells

Kinetic properties of the Na(+)-H+ antiport in the acinar cells of the isolated, superfused mouse lacrimal gland were studied by measuring intracellular pH (pHi) and Na+ activity (aNai) with the aid of double-barreled H(+)- and Na(+)-selective microelectrodes, respectively. Bicarbonate-free solutions were used throughout. Under untreated control conditions, pHi was 7.12 +/- 0.01 and aNai was 6.7 +/- 0.6 mmol/l. The cells were acid-loaded by exposure to an NH4+ solution followed by an Na(+)-free N-methyl-D-glucamine (NMDG+) solution. Intracellular Na+ and H+ concentrations were manipulated by changing the duration of exposure to the above solutions. Subsequent addition of the standard Na+ solution rapidly increased pHi. This Na(+)-induced increase in pHi was almost completely inhibited by 0.5 mmol/l amiloride and was associated with a rapid, amiloride-sensitive increase in aNai. The rate of pHi recovery induced by the standard Na+ solution increased in a saturable manner as pHi decreased, and was negligible at pHi 7.2-7.3, indicating an inactivation of the Na(+)-H+ antiport. The apparent Km for intracellular H+ concentration was 105 nmol/l (pH 6.98). The rate of acid extrusion from the acid-loaded cells increased proportionally to the increase in extracellular pH. Depletion of aNai to less than 1 mmol/l by prolonged exposure to NMDG+ solution significantly increased the rate of Na(+)-dependent acid extrusion. The rate of acid extrusion increased as the extracellular Na+ concentration increased following Michaelis-Menten kinetics (Vmax was 0.55 pH/min and the apparent Km was 75 mmol/l at pHi 6.88).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of Na+ and K+ on Cl- distribution in guinea-pig vas deferens smooth muscle: evidence for Na+, K+, Cl- co-transport

1. Smooth muscle cells of the guinea-pig vas deferens after Cl- depletion actively reaccumulate ions to a level many times higher than that predicted by a passive distribution, even when anion exchange (largely responsible for Cl- movements in this preparation) is inhibited by DIDS (4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid). The cells therefore must possess a second mechanism for Cl- accumulation. We have now investigated the ionic requirement of this mechanism using a combination of ion analysis, 36Cl fluxes and direct measurement of the intracellular Cl- activity (aiCl). 2. In the steady state, the Cl- content of tissues was 12-16% less in Na(+)-free solution than in normal Krebs solution. 3. Loss of 36Cl into Cl(-)-free solution was slowed by the absence of Na+ and accelerated on its readdition. Uptake of 36Cl by Cl(-)-depleted tissues was also reduced in the absence of extracellular Na+, particularly at longer time intervals as uptake reached completion. These effects occurred in the presence and absence of CO2-HCO3- and in the presence of DIDS. 4. The initial rate of rise of aiCl on readdition of Cl- to Cl(-)-depleted cells was not significantly affected by the absence of Na+ in the presence of a functional anion exchange, but aiCl stabilized at a lower value than in normal solution. Readdition of Na+ stimulated a rise in aiCl to the control level. Removal and readdition of K+ under these conditions had negligible effects. 5. When anion exchange was inhibited by the presence of DIDS, removal and readdition of Na+ caused, respectively, a marked inhibition and stimulation of the rise in aiCl during Cl- reaccumulation. Under these conditions removal and readdition of K+ had similar effects. 6. The results suggest that Na+, K+, Cl- co-transport is involved in transmembrane movements of Cl- at least when the anion exchange mechanism is blocked. 7. The possibility that the marked effects of changes in external Na+ on transmembrane Cl- movements in the presence of a functional anion exchange mechanism are caused by secondary effects due to changes in intracellular pH as well as to suppression of Na+, K+, Cl- co-transport is discussed.

Evidence for an anion exchanger in the mouse lacrimal gland acinar cell membrane

Anion exchange transport in the mouse lacrimal gland acinar cell membrane was studied by measuring the intracellular H+ (pHi) and Cl- (aCli) activities with double-barreled ion-selective microelectrodes. In a HCO3- -free solution of pH 7.4 (HEPES/Tris buffered), pHi was 7.25 and aCli was 33 mM. By an exposure to a HCO3- (25 mM HCO3-/5% CO2, pH 7.4) solution for 15 min, aCli was decreased to 25 mM, and pHi was transiently decreased to about 7.05 within 1 min, then slowly relaxed to 7.18 in 15 min. Intracellular HCO3- concentration [HCO3-]i, calculated by the Henderson-Hasselbalch's equation, was 11 mM at 1 min after the exposure and then slowly increased to 15 mM. Readmission of the HCO3(-)-free solution reversed the changes in aCli and pHi. The intracellular buffering power was about 40 mM/pH. An addition of DIDS (0.2 mM) significantly inhibited the rates of change in aCli, pHi, and [HCO3-]i caused by admission/withdrawal of the HCO3- solution and decreased the buffer value. Replacement of all Cl- with gluconate in the HCO3- solution increased pHi, and readmission of Cl- decreased pHi. The rates of these changes in pHi were reduced by DIDS by 32-45% but not by amiloride (0.3 mM). In the HCO3- solution, a stimulation of intracellular HCO3- production by exposing the tissue to 25 mM NH4+ increased aCli significantly. While in the HCO3(-)-free solution or in the HCO3- solution containing DIDS, exposure to NH4+ had little effect on aCli.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)