Effects of Ag+ on ion transport by the corneal epithelium of the rabbit

Autophagy is required for the directed motility of keratinocytes driven by electric fields

Endogenous wound electric fields (EFs), an important and fundamental occurrence of wound healing, profoundly influence the directed migration of keratinocytes. Although numerous studies have unveiled the signals responsible for EF-biased direction, the mechanisms by which EFs promote keratinocyte motility remains to be elucidated. In our study, EFs enhanced the directed migratory speed of keratinocytes by inducing autophagic activity, thereby facilitating skin barrier restoration. Initially, we found that electrical signals directed keratinocytes to the cathode with enhanced motility parameters [ i.e., trajectory distance, trajectory speed, displacement distance, and displacement speed ( T_d/ t)] and more efficient migration (directionality and T_d/ t along the x axis, among others). Meanwhile, EFs induced a time-dependent increase in autophagic activity in keratinocytes, with constant autophagic flux, accompanied by increased transcription of numerous autophagy-related genes. Deficiency in Atg5, a key protein necessary for autophagosome formation, led to significant reduction of autophagy, which was accompanied by a substantial reduction in EF-stimulated directed motility. These results demonstrated a causal relationship between autophagy and EF-directed migratory speed. In addition, both cell migration under normal conditions and EF-biased directionality were autophagy independent. Thus, our findings define autophagy as an important functional regulator of electrically enhanced directed motility, adding to a growing understanding of EFs.-Yan, T., Jiang, X., Lin, G., Tang, D., Zhang, J., Guo, X., Zhang, D., Zhang, Q., Jia, J., Huang, Y. Autophagy is required for the directed motility of keratinocytes driven by electric fields.

Facile synthesis, biofilm disruption properties and biocompatibility study of a poly-cationic peptide functionalized graphene–silver nanocomposite

Safe-by-design synthesis of a poly-cationic functionalized graphene–silver nanocomposite as a novel eco-benign antibacterial, biofilm inhibiting and disrupting agent.

Electric field-induced suppression of PTEN drives epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition via mTORC1 activation

BACKGROUND

Naturally occurring electric fields (EFs) are an intrinsic property of wounds. Endogenous EFs in skin wounds play critical roles in the dynamic and well-ordered biological process of wound healing. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) allows keratinocytes to transition from sedentary cells to motile cells, facilitating wound healing. However, EMT-related studies have been performed without considering endogenous EFs. Thus, the relationship between electrical signals and the EMT remain elusive.

OBJECTIVE

Phosphatase and tension homolog (PTEN) and mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) are key molecules in sensing electrical cues, and they play significant roles in cellular responses to EFs. In addition, these molecules are closely related to the occurrence of the EMT in other cells. We used primary human keratinocytes to investigate the influence of EFs on the EMT as well as the roles of PTEN and mTORC1 in this process.

METHODS

The effects of EFs on the EMT were investigated by analyzing the levels of specific proteins and transcription factors. The roles of mTORC1 and PTEN and their relationship with each other were studied via pharmacological inhibition or genetic knockdown. A Zeiss imaging system and scratch assays were used to study single-cell motility and monolayer cell migration.

RESULTS

EFs induced a range of both biochemical changes (e.g., increased Snail, Slug, vimentin, and N-cadherin expression, decreased E-cadherin expression) and functional changes (e.g., enhanced migratory capacity) that are characteristic of the EMT. EF-stimulated cells exhibited suppressed PTEN expression, and further PTEN downregulation led to the acquisition of more mesenchymal features and the loss of epithelial characteristics, which was accompanied by increased migratory capacity. PTEN overexpression reversed the EF-induced EMT and inhibited the migratory capacity of keratinocytes. EF-induced mTORC1 activation was a required component of the causal relationship between PTEN suppression and the EMT, as mTORC1 inhibition reversed the EMT induced by PTEN downregulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate that the EF-induced suppression of PTEN drives the EMT via mTORC1 activation, thereby revealing a new and promising role of EFs in facilitating wound reepithelialization. These results provide a novel perspective regarding the significance of EFs in wound healing; therefore, electrical stimulation offers a new avenue of wound management for improved and accelerated wound healing.

Organ-Specific and Size-Dependent Ag Nanoparticle Toxicity in Gills and Intestines of Adult Zebrafish

We studied adult zebrafish to determine whether the size of 20 and 110 nm citrate-coated silver nanoparticles (AgC NPs) differentially impact the gills and intestines, known target organs for Ag toxicity in fish. Following exposure for 4 h, 4 days, or 4 days plus a 7 day depuration period, we obtained different toxicokinetic profiles for different particle sizes, as determined by Ag content of the tissues. Ionic AgNO3 served as a positive control. The gills showed a significantly higher Ag content for the 20 nm particles at 4 h and 4 days than the 110 nm particles, while the values were more similar in the intestines. Both particle types were retained in the intestines even after depuration. These toxicokinetics were accompanied by striking size-dependent differences in the ultrastructural features and histopathology in the target organs in response to the particulates. Ag staining of the gills and intestines confirmed prominent Ag deposition in the basolateral membranes for the 20 nm but not for the 110 nm particles. Furthermore, it was possible to link the site of tissue deposition to disruption of the Na(+)/K(+) ion channel, which is also localized to the basolateral membrane. This was confirmed by a reduction in ATPase activity and immunohistochemical detection of the α subunit of this channel in both target organs, with the 20 nm particles causing significantly higher inhibition and disruption than the larger size particles or AgNO3. These results demonstrate the importance of particle size in determining the hazardous impact of AgNPs in the gills and intestines of adult zebrafish.

Electrical signaling in control of ocular cell behaviors

Epithelia of the cornea, lens and retina contain a vast array of ion channels and pumps. Together they produce a polarized flow of ions in and out of cells, as well as across the epithelia. These naturally occurring ion fluxes are essential to the hydration and metabolism of the ocular tissues, especially for the avascular cornea and lens. The directional transport of ions generates electric fields and currents in those tissues. Applied electric fields affect migration, division and proliferation of ocular cells which are important in homeostasis and healing of the ocular tissues. Abnormalities in any of those aspects may underlie many ocular diseases, for example chronic corneal ulcers, posterior capsule opacity after cataract surgery, and retinopathies. Electric field-inducing cellular responses, termed electrical signaling here, therefore may be an unexpected yet powerful mechanism in regulating ocular cell behavior. Both endogenous electric fields and applied electric fields could be exploited to regulate ocular cells. We aim to briefly describe the physiology of the naturally occurring electrical activities in the corneal, lens, and retinal epithelia, to provide experimental evidence of the effects of electric fields on ocular cell behaviors, and to suggest possible clinical implications.

Electrical fields in wound healing-An overriding signal that directs cell migration

Injury that disrupts an epithelial layer instantaneously generates endogenous electric fields (EFs), which were detected at human skin wounds over 150 years ago. Recent researches combining molecular, genetic and imaging techniques have provided significant insights into cellular and molecular responses to this "unconventional" signal. One unexpected finding is that the EFs play an overriding guidance role in directing cell migration in epithelial wound healing. In experimental models where other directional cues (e.g., contact inhibition release, population pressure etc.) are present, electric fields of physiological strength override them and direct cell migration. The electrotaxis or galvanotaxis is mediated by polarized activation of multiple signaling pathways that include PI3 kinases/Pten, membrane growth factor receptors and integrins. Genetic manipulation of PI3 kinase/Pten (Phosphoinositide 3-kinases/phosphatase and tensin homolog) and integrin beta4 demonstrated the importance of those molecules. The electric fields are therefore a fundamental signal that directs cell migration in wound healing. One of the most challenging question is: How do cells sense the very weak electric signals? Clinically, it is highly desirable to develop practical and reliable technologies for wound healing management exploiting the electric signaling.

Mechanisms of dietary Cu uptake in freshwater rainbow trout: evidence for Na-assisted Cu transport and a specific metal carrier in the intestine

Copper (Cu) is both a vital nutrient and a potent toxicant. The objective of this study was to analyze the mechanistic nature of intestinal Cu transport in rainbow trout using radiolabeled Cu (64Cu) and an in vitro gut sac technique. Reduction of mucosal NaCl levels inhibited Cu transport while increase caused stimulation; Na(2)SO(4) had an identical effect, implicating Na(+) rather than the anion. These responses were unrelated to solvent drag, osmotic pressure or changes in transepithelial potential. The presence of elevated luminal Ag stimulated Cu and Na(+) uptake. Phenamil caused a partial inhibition of both Cu and Na(+) uptake while hypercapnia stimulated Na(+) and Cu transport. Cu uptake was sensitive to luminal pH and inhibited by a tenfold excess of Fe and Zn. These factors had no effect on Na(+ )uptake. On the basis of these results we propose a novel Na(+)-assisted mechanism of Cu uptake wherein the Na(+) gradient stimulates an increase in the H(+) concentration of the brushborder creating a suitable microenvironment for the effective transport of Cu via either DMT1 or Ctr1.

Amiloride-sensitive nasal potential difference is not changed by estradiol and progesterone replacement but relates to BPD or death in a randomized trial on preterm infants

Postnatal replacement of placental estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) in preterm infants may improve lung function, possibly mediated through enhanced epithelial Na(+) transport and alveolar fluid clearance. Preterm infants of <29 wk gestational age and <1000 g birth weight requiring mechanical ventilation within 12 h of birth were randomized to receive either 2.5 mg/kg E2 and 22.5 mg/kg P per day (E2/P), or vehicle placebo. Epithelial Na(+) transport was assessed in 29 infants by measuring total nasal potential difference (NPD) and amiloride-sensitive NPD (ASNPD) on postnatal days of life 1, 3, 5, and 7, and mean values of all four measurements were calculated. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was defined as need for supplemental oxygen (goal Sa(O2) 90%) or mechanical ventilation at 36 wk corrected postmenstrual age. Mean ASNPD was -6.5 +/- 2.8 mV in infants receiving E2/P and -6.1 +/- 2.6 mV in infants receiving placebo (not significant). NPD was -10.6 +/- 3.8 mV and -10.7 +/- 3.6 mV, respectively. The ASNPD was significantly higher in infants surviving without BPD (-7.1 +/- 2.5 mV) than in infants developing BPD or not surviving (-5.2 +/- 2.4 mV). In conclusion, ASNPD is not changed by postnatal replacement of E2 and P. Infants at high risk of developing BPD had lower ASNPD values in the immediate postnatal period.

Short-term exposure to waterborne free silver has acute effects on membrane current of Xenopus oocytes

Waterborne free silver can cause osmo- and ionoregulatory disturbances in freshwater organisms. The effects of a short-term exposure to extracellular Ag+ ions on membrane currents were investigated in voltage-clamped defolliculated Xenopus oocytes. At a holding potential of -60 mV, ionic silver (1 microM Ag+) increased inward currents (=I(Ag)) from -8+/-2 nA to -665+/-41 nA (n=74; N=27). I(Ag) activated within 2 min of silver exposure and then rose impetuously. This current was largely reversible by washout and repeatable. I(Ag) reversed around -30 mV and rectified slightly at more positive potentials. Na+-free bath conditions reduced the silver-induced current to a smaller but sustained current. The response to silver was abolished by the Cl- channel blockers DIDS and SITS, whereas niflumic acid strongly potentiated I(Ag). Intraoocyte injection of AgNO3 to about 1 mM [Ag]i strongly potentiated I(Ag). Extracellular application of either dithiothreitol (DTT), a compound known to reduce disulfide bridges, or L-cysteine abolished Ag+-activated increase of membrane current. In contrast, n-ethylmaleimide (NEM) which oxidizes SH-groups potentiated I(Ag). Hypoosmotic bath solution significantly increased I(Ag) whereas hyperosmolar conditions attenuated I(Ag). The activation of I(Ag) was largely preserved after chelation of cytosolic Ca2+ ions with BAPTA/AM. Taken together, these data suggest that Xenopus oocytes are sensitive to short-term exposure to waterborne Ag+ ions and that the elicited membrane currents result from extra- and intracellular action of Ag+ ions on peptide moieties at the oocyte membrane but may also affect conductances after internalization.

Nerve regeneration and wound healing are stimulated and directed by an endogenous electrical field in vivo

Biological roles for naturally occurring, extracellular physiological electric fields have been proposed over the past century. However, in the molecular era, many biologists presume that electric fields have little physiological relevance because there has been no unequivocal demonstration of their importance at the single-cell level in vivo. We have used an in vivo rat corneal model, which generates its own endogenous electric field and show that nerve sprouting, the direction of nerve growth and the rate of epithelial wound healing are controlled coordinately by the wound-induced electric field.

Controlling cell behavior electrically: current views and future potential

Direct-current (DC) electric fields are present in all developing and regenerating animal tissues, yet their existence and potential impact on tissue repair and development are largely ignored. This is primarily due to ignorance of the phenomenon by most researchers, some technically poor early studies of the effects of applied fields on cells, and widespread misunderstanding of the fundamental concepts that underlie bioelectricity. This review aims to resolve these issues by describing: 1) the historical context of bioelectricity, 2) the fundamental principles of physics and physiology responsible for DC electric fields within cells and tissues, 3) the cellular mechanisms for the effects of small electric fields on cell behavior, and 4) the clinical potential for electric field treatment of damaged tissues such as epithelia and the nervous system.

Molecular mechanisms of water transport in the eye

The four major sites for ocular water transport, the corneal epithelium and endothelium, the ciliary epithelium, and the retinal pigment epithelium, are reviewed. The cornea has an inherent tendency to swell, which is counteracted by its two surface cell layers, the corneal epithelium and endothelium. The bilayered ciliary epithelium secretes the aqueous humor into the posterior chamber, and the retinal pigment epithelium transports water from the retinal to the choroidal site. For each epithelium, ion transport mechanisms are associated with fluid transport, but the exact molecular coupling sites between ion and water transport remain undefined. In the retinal pigment epithelium, a H+-lactate cotransporter transports water. This protein could be the site of coupling between salt and water in this epithelium. The distribution of aquaporins does not suggest a role for these proteins in a general model for water transport in ocular epithelia. Some water-transporting membranes contain aquaporins, others do not. The ultrastructure is also variable among the cell layers and cannot be fitted into a general model. On the other hand, the direction of cotransport in symporters complies with the direction of fluid transport in both the corneal epi- and endothelium, as well as the ciliary epithelium and retinal pigment epithelium.

Sulfhydryl-reactive heavy metals increase cell membrane K+ and Ca2+ transport in renal proximal tubule

The cellular mechanisms by which nephrotoxic heavy metals injure the proximal tubule are incompletely defined. We used extracellular electrodes to measure the early effects of heavy metals and other sulfhydryl reagents on net K+ and Ca2+ transport and respiration (QO2) of proximal tubule suspensions. Hg2+, Cu2+, and Au3+ (10(-4)M) each caused a rapid net K+ efflux and a delayed inhibition of QO2. The Hg2(+)-induced net K+ release represented passive K+ transport and was not inhibited by barium, tetraethylammonium, or furosemide. Both Hg2+ and Ag+ promoted a net Ca2+ uptake that was nearly coincident with the onset of the net K+ efflux. A delayed inhibition of ouabain-sensitive QO2 and nystatin-stimulated QO2, indicative of Na+, K(+)-ATPase inhibition, was observed after 30 sec of exposure to Hg2+. More prolonged treatment (2 min) of the tubules with Hg2+ resulted in a 40% reduction in the CCCP-uncoupled QO2, indicating delayed injury to the mitochondria. The net K+ efflux was mimicked by the sulfhydryl reagents pCMBS and N-ethylmale-imide (10(-4) M) and prevented by dithiothreitol (DTT) or reduced glutathione (GSH) (10(-4) M). In addition, both DTT and GSH immediately reversed the Ag(+)-induced net Ca2+ uptake. Thus, sulfhydryl-reactive heavy metals cause rapid, dramatic changes in the membrane ionic permeability of the proximal tubule before disrupting Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity or mitochondrial function. These alterations appear to be the result of an interaction of the metal ions with sulfhydryl groups of cell membrane proteins responsible for the modulation of cation permeability.

Silver ion (Ag+)-induced increases in cell membrane K+ and Na+ permeability in the renal proximal tubule: reversal by thiol reagents

The initial mechanisms of injury to the proximal tubule following exposure to nephrotoxic heavy metals are not well established. We studied the immediate effects of silver (Ag+) on K+ transport and respiration with extracellular K+ and O2 electrodes in suspensions of renal cortical tubules. Addition of silver nitrate (AgNO3) to tubules suspended in bicarbonate Ringer's solution caused a rapid, dose-dependent net K+ efflux (Km = 10(-4) M, Vmax = 379 nmol K+/min/mg protein) which was not inhibited by furosemide, barium chloride, quinine, tetraethylammonium, or tolbutamide. An increase in the ouabain-sensitive oxygen consumption rate (QO2) (13.9 +/- 1.1 to 25.7 +/- 4.4 nmol O2/min/mg, P less than 0.001), was observed 19 sec after the K+ efflux induced by AgNO3 (10(-4) M), suggesting a delayed increase in Na+ entry into the cell. Ouabain-insensitive QO2, nystatin-stimulated QO2, and CCCP-uncoupled QO2 were not significantly affected, indicating preserved function of the Na+,K+-ATPase and mitochondria. External addition of the thiol reagents dithiothreitol (1 mM) and reduced glutathione (1 mM) prevented and/or immediately reversed the effects on K+ transport and QO2. We conclude that Ag+ causes early changes in the permeability of the cell membrane to K+ and then to Na+ at concentrations that do not limit Na+,K+-ATPase activity or mitochondrial function. These alterations are likely the result of a reversible interaction of Ag+ with sulfhydryl groups of cell membrane proteins and may represent initial cytotoxic effects common to other sulfhydryl-reactive heavy metals on the proximal tubule.

Bicarbonate secretion in rat distal colon in vitro: a measurement technique

To study HCO3- secretion in rat distal colon, we utilized a technique that permits control of electrical and chemical transepithelial gradients. With symmetrical solutions (pH 7.4, [HCO3-] 25 mM, and CO2 tension 40 mmHg) bathing both tissue surfaces and under short-circuit conditions, HCO3- secretion remained stable for greater than 4 h at 1 mueq. h-1.cm-2. As the mucosal solution was alkalinized, the serosal solution was acidified at 3.1 mueq.h-1.cm-2. Ninety-four percent of serosal acidification was accounted for by the rate of metabolic lactic acid generation and transepithelial HCO3- secretion. Clamping transepithelial voltage reversibly affected net HCO3- secretion, and a linear relationship existed between clamped mucosal voltage and net HCO3- flux (r = 0.99); mucosal voltage of -68 mV completely inhibited net secretion. The apparent permeability coefficient of the colon to HCO3- is 2.8 X 10(-6) cm/s. One millimolar ouabain completely inhibited net HCO3- secretion. Acetazolamide (10(-4) M) inhibited secretion by approximately 50%, whereas a 10(-3) M concentration inhibited secretion by 90%. These data demonstrate that net colonic HCO3- secretion can be measured without imposed electrical and chemical gradients and that this flux is voltage sensitive and depends on carbonic anhydrase and Na+-K+-ATPase activities.

Extracellular volume in the bovine corneal epithelium

Three different substances, [14C]inulin, [14C]polyethylenglycol (PEG, molecular weight 4000) and [3H]sucrose have been examined for suitability as markers for determination of the extracellular volume (ECV) in the bovine corneal epithelium and stroma. In both tissues, sucrose was the best marker reaching equilibrium of distribution within 90 min. Inulin and 4000 PEG have been found to be unacceptable because of a slow rate of penetration of the ECV. In addition, both inulin and 4000 PEG gave considerably lower values for the ECV than sucrose. Using the value for ECV determined with sucrose as a marker in the bovine corneal epithelium, i.e. 21.6 +/- 1.4% of tissue water, and the results obtained previously by the chemical analysis of this tissue (Midelfart 1987) the intracellular concentrations of 34.4 +/- 8.6 mmol Na/kg H2O and 154.3 +/- 11.1 mmol K/kg H2O were determined. These results were compared with the results obtained by other methods in corneae from other species.

The effect of amiloride on Na, K and water in bovine corneal epithelium

The Na and K concentrations of bovine corneal epithelium and stroma were determined by chemical analysis. The effect of ambient Na concentration on these concentrations was evaluated. In the epithelium, approx. 10 mmol Na kg-1 H2O entered the cells from the tear side of the cornea. An inhibition of Na entry at the apical membrane by 5 x 10(-5) mol l-1 amiloride resulted in a loss of this amount of Na from the cells, accompanied by a loss of water. A linear relationship between the Na concentration in the stromal tissue and Na concentration on the on the aqueous side of the cornea was observed.

Ca2+ channels in the apical membrane of the toad urinary bladder

Previously (Van Driessche et al. 1987) we showed that small inward (mucosa towards serosa) oriented short-circuit currents (Isc) were recorded through the toad urinary bladder when the mucosal side was exposed to Ca2+ free solutions containing K+, Na+ (+ amiloride), Cs+ or Rb+ as main cation. This current component is inhibitable by micromolar concentrations of mucosal La3+ and divalent cations (Ca2+, Cd2+) and is considerably elevated by oxytocin (0.1 U/ml). The present study demonstrates that the addition of 50 nmol/l Ag+ to the mucosal medium during oxytocin treatment caused an additional large increase of the La3+-sensitive Isc component. The power density spectrum of the fluctuation in current contained a Lorentzian component which was enhanced by oxytocin treatment. The Lorentzian component disappeared as a consequence of the administration of mucosal Ag+. In experiments with Ca2+, Ba2+ or Mg2+ as principal mucosal cation, the La3+-sensitive Isc component was negligible under control conditions and during oxytocin treatment. Mucosal Ag+ (40 nmol/l) elicited a large inward oriented current which was blockable by the calcium channel blockers, La3+ and Cd2+. Also the organic calcium entry blockers, nicardipine and verapamil (10 mumol/l) depressed the inward current considerably. Noise analysis of the currents carried by divalent cations showed a La3+-sensitive noise component. Oxytocin-Ag+ activated currents could not be recorded in the absence of the divalent cations or small inorganic cations, e.g. with solutions which contained N-methyl D-glucamine (NMDG) as main mucosal cation.

Membrane potentials and intracellular Cl- activity of toad skin epithelium in relation to activation and deactivation of the transepithelial Cl- conductance

The potential dependence of unidirectional 36Cl fluxes through toad skin revealed activation of a conductive pathway in the physiological region of transepithelial potentials. Activation of the conductance was dependent on the presence of Cl or Br in the external bathing solution, but was independent of whether the external bath was NaCl-Ringer's, NaCl-Ringer's with amiloride, KCl-Ringer's or choline Cl-Ringer's. To partition the routes of the conductive Cl- ion flow, we measured in the isolated epithelium with double-barrelled microelectrodes apical membrane potential. Va, and intracellular Cl- activity, acCl, of the principal cells identified by differential interference contrast microscopy. Under short-circuit conditions, Isc = 27.0 +/- 2.0 microA/cm2, with NaCl-Ringer's bathing both surfaces, Va was -67.9 +/- 3.8 mV (mean +/- SE, n = 24, six preparations) and acCl was 18.0 +/- 0.9 mM in skins from animals adapted to distilled water. Both Va and acCl were found to be positively correlated with Isc (r = 0.66 and r = 0.70, respectively). In eight epithelia from animals adapted to dry milieu/tap water Va and acCl were measured with KCl Ringer's on the outside during activation and deactivation of the transepithelial Cl- conductance (GCl) by voltage clamping the transepithelial potential (V) at 40 mV (mucosa positive) and -100 mV. At V = 40 mV; i.e. when GCl was deactivated, Va was -70.1 +/- 5.0 mV (n = 15, eight preparations) and acCl was 40.0 +/- 3.8 mM. The fractional apical membrane resistance (fRa) was 0.69 +/- 0.03. Clamping to V = -100 mV led to an instantaneous change of Va to 31.3 +/- 5.6 mV (cell interior positive with respect to the mucosal bath), whereas neither acCl nor fRa changed significantly within a 2 to 5-min period during which GCl increased by 1.19 +/- 0.10 mS/cm2. When V was stepped back to 40 mV, Va instantaneously shifted to -67.8 +/- 3.9 mV while acCl and fRa remained constant during deactivation of GCl. Similar results were obtained in epithelia impaled from the serosal side. In 12 skins from animals adapted to either tap water or distilled water the density of mitochondria-rich (DMRC) cells was estimated and correlated with the Cl current (ICl through the fully activated (V = -100 mV) Cl conductance). A highly significant correlation ws revealed (r = -0.96) with a slope of -2.6 nA/m.r. (mitochondria-rich cell and an I-axis intercept not significantly different from zero.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Transport processes across the rabbit corneal epithelium: a review

The corneal epithelium of the rabbit is functionally characterized as a "tight" ion transporting cell layer. Its barrier properties arise from the high electrical resistance of both the outermost cell membranes and the paracellular zonulae occludens. The specific ion transport process and secondary fluid transport by this tissue are modulated via cyclic AMP. There is evidence for the autonomic control of C1- secretion by the corneal epithelium.

Cellular mode of serotonin action on Cl- transport in the rabbit corneal epithelium

The present work examines serotonin-induced changes in cell potential difference and barrier resistances in the corneal epithelium in vitro using voltage-measuring microelectrodes and related techniques. Component resistances were determined using voltage and resistance profiles of the epithelium before and during the serotonin response. Serotonin, added to the stromal side of the cornea in the presence of nialamide, markedly reduced transcorneal and apical membrane resistances, while basal barrier resistance increased slightly and shunt resistance was unchanged. The marked drop in apical membrane resistance after serotonin treatment reflects an increase in apical membrane chloride permeability, inasmuch as the serotonin-stimulated short-circuit current is indistinguishable from the increase in net chloride flux. Prolonged (more than 1 h) exposure of corneas to serotonin markedly depolarized the epithelial cells and reduced the voltage divider ratio from 12.3 +/- 2.1 to 1.5 +/- 0.5, while not significantly affecting the stimulated short-circuit current. These later effects suggest changes in epithelial ion distribution during long periods of stimulation by serotonin.

Cellular and paracellular pathway resistances in the "tight" Cl- -secreting epithelium of rabbit cornea

The high transverse resistance of the isolated rabbit cornea (6-12 l omega . cm2) is associated with the corneal epithelium, a Cl- -secreting tissue which is modulated by beta-adrenergic and serotonergic receptors. Three methods were employed to determine the resistances for the apical membrane, basolateral membrane, and paracellular conductive pathways in the epithelium. In the first method, the specific resistance of the apical membrane was selectively and reversibly changed. Epinephrine was used to increase apical cation permeability. The second method utilized a direct measure of the spontaneous cellular ionic current. The third method obtained estimates of shunt resistance using transepithelial electrophysiological responses to changes in apical membrane resistance. The results of the first method were largely independent of the agent used. In addition, the three methods were in general agreement, and the ranges of mean values for apical membrane, basolateral membrane, and shunt resistances were 23-33, 3-4, and 12-16 k omega . cm2, respectively, for the normal cornea. The apical membrane was the major, physiologically-modulated barrier to ion permeation. The shunt resistance of the corneal epithelium was comparable to that found previously for other "tight" epithelia. Experiments using Ag+ in tissues that were bathed in Cl- and HCO3-free solutions indicated that under resting conditions the apical membrane is anion-selective.