Diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC) inhibits both Cl- conductance and cyclooxygenase of canine tracheal epithelium

CFTR pharmacology

CFTR protein is an ion channel regulated by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation and expressed in many types of epithelial cells. CFTR-mediated chloride and bicarbonate secretion play an important role in the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Pharmacological modulators of CFTR represent promising drugs for a variety of diseases. In particular, correctors and potentiators may restore the activity of CFTR in cystic fibrosis patients. Potentiators are also potentially useful to improve mucociliary clearance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. On the other hand, CFTR inhibitors may be useful to block fluid and electrolyte loss in secretory diarrhea and slow down the progression of polycystic kidney disease.

Characterization of active ion transport across primary rabbit corneal epithelial cell layers (RCrECL) cultured at an air-interface

Previously, we reported the development of a primary culture model of tight rabbit corneal epithelial cell layers (RCrECL) characterizing bioelectric parameters, morphology, cytokeratin, and passive permeability. In the present study, we specifically evaluated the active ion transport processes of RCrECL cultured from either pigmented or albino rabbits. Primary cultured RCrECL were grown at an air-interface on Clear-Snapwells precoated with collagen/fibronectin/laminin and mounted in a modified Ussing-type chamber for the evaluation of their active ion transport processes under short-circuited conditions. Contribution of active Na(+) and Cl(-) transport to overall short-circuit current (I(sc)) was evaluated by removing Na(+) and Cl(-), respectively, from bathing fluids of RCrECL and measurements of net fluxes of Na(+) and Cl(-) using (22)Na and (36)Cl, respectively. Amiloride and benzamil were used to determine the role of apical Na(+)-channel activities to net Na(+) fluxes. N-phenylanthranilic acid (NPAA), ouabain, BaCl(2) and bumetanide were used to determine the role of basolateral Na,K-ATPase, apical Cl(-)-channel, and basolateral K(+)-channel and Na(+)(K(+))2Cl(-)-cotransporter activities, respectively, in active ion transport across RCrECL. I(sc) of RCrECL derived from pigmented rabbits was comprised of 64+/-2% and 44+/-5% for active Na(+) and Cl(-) transport, respectively, consistent with net Na(+) absorption and Cl(-) secretion of 0.062+/-0.006 and 0.046+/-0.008 muEq/cm(2)/hr estimated from radionuclide fluxes. Apical amiloride and benzamil inhibited I(sc) by up to approximately 50% with an IC(50) of 1 and 0.1 microm, respectively, consistent with participation of apical epithelial Na(+)-channels to net Na(+) absorption across RCrECL cultured from pigmented rabbits. Addition of ouabain to the basolateral, NPAA to the apical, BaCl(2) to the basolateral and bumetanide to basolateral fluid decreased I(sc) by 86+/-1.5%, 53+/-3%, 18+/-1.8% and 13+/-1.9% in RCrECL cultured from pigmented rabbits, while 85+/-0.7%, 36+/-1.6%, 38+/-1.8% and 15+/-3.5% decreases are observed for RCrECL from albino rabbits, respectively. Air-interface cultured RCrECL from either pigmented or albino rabbits exhibited active ion transport properties similar to those present in excised tissues. This primary culture system may be a reliable in-vitro model for mechanistic characterization of corneal epithelial function and regulation of transport properties.

Polarized distribution of HCO3- transport in human normal and cystic fibrosis nasal epithelia

The polarized distribution of HCO3- transport was investigated in human nasal epithelial cells from normal and cystic fibrosis (CF) tissues. To test for HCO3- transport via conductive versus electroneutral Cl-/HCO3- exchange (anion exchange, AE) pathways, nasal cells were loaded with the pH probe 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein and mounted in a bilateral perfusion chamber. In normal, but not CF, epithelia, replacing mucosal Cl- with gluconate caused intracellular pH (pHi) to increase, and the initial rates (Delta pH min-1) of this increase were modestly augmented (approximately 26 %) when normal cells were pretreated with forskolin (10 microM). Recovery from this alkaline shift was dependent on mucosal Cl-, was insensitive to the AE inhibitor 4,4'-diisothiocyanatodihydrostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (H2DIDS; 1.5 mM), but was sensitive to the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel inhibitor diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC; 100 microM). In contrast, removal of serosal Cl- caused pHi to alkalinize in both normal and CF epithelia. Recovery from this alkaline challenge was dependent on serosal Cl- and blocked by H2DIDS. Additional studies showed that serosally applied Ba2+ (5.0 mM) in normal, but not CF, cells induced influx of HCO3- across the apical membrane that was reversibly blocked by mucosal DPC. In a final series of studies, normal and CF cells acutely alkaline loaded by replacing bilateral Krebs bicarbonate Ringer (KBR) with Hepes-buffered Ringer solution exhibited basolateral, but not apical, recovery from an alkaline challenge that was dependent on Cl-, independent of Na+ and blocked by H2DIDS. We conclude that: (1) normal, but not CF, nasal epithelia have a constitutively active DPC-sensitive HCO3- influx/efflux pathway across the apical membrane of cells, consistent with the movement of HCO3- via CFTR; and (2) both normal and CF nasal epithelia have Na+-independent, H2DIDS-sensitive AE at their basolateral domain.

Mechanism of substance P-induced liquid secretion across bronchial epithelium

The present study was undertaken to identify and determine the mechanism of noncholinergic pathways for the induction of liquid secretion across airway epithelium. Excised porcine bronchi secreted substantial and significant quantities of liquid when exposed to acetylcholine, substance P, or forskolin but not to isoproterenol, norepinephrine, or phenylephrine. Bumetanide, an inhibitor of Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransport, reduced the liquid secretion response to substance P by 69%. Approximately two-thirds of bumetanide-insensitive liquid secretion was blocked by dimethylamiloride (DMA), a Na(+)/H(+) exchange inhibitor. Substance P responses were preserved in airways after surface epithelium removal, suggesting that secreted liquid originated from submucosal glands. The anion channel blockers diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC) and 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid (NPPB) inhibited >90% of substance P-induced liquid secretion, whereas DIDS had no effect. DMA, DPC, and NPPB had greater inhibitory effects on net HCO(3)(-) secretion than on liquid secretion. Although preserved relative to liquid secretion, net HCO(3)(-) secretion was reduced by 39% in the presence of bumetanide. We conclude that substance P induces liquid secretion from bronchial submucosal glands of pigs through active transport of Cl(-) and HCO(3)(-). The pattern of responses to secretion agonists and antagonists suggests that the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator mediates this process.

Block of hippocampal CAN channels by flufenamate

Ca(2+)-activated non-selective cation (CAN) channels are activated by cytoplasmic Ca(2+) and I(CAN) underlies many slow depolarizing processes in neurons including a putative role in excitotoxicity. CAN channels in many non-neuronal cells are blocked by non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs that are derivatives of diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC). The DPC derivative flufenamate (FFA) has a complex effect on certain neurons, whereby it blocks CAN channels and increases [Ca(2+)](i). We report here that FFA, but not the parent compound, DPC, blocks CAN channels in hippocampal CA1 neurons. As was the case in other neurons, the effects of FFA are complex and include a maintained rise in [Ca(2+)](i). Furthermore, the CAN channel blocking ability of FFA persists even when the channels have been potentiated by a Ca(2+)-dependent process. The use of a CAN channel-blocking drug is important for delineating CAN channel-dependent processes and may provide a basis for therapy for CAN channel-dependent events in ischemia.

Effects of UTP on Na+, Cl- and K+ transport in primary cultures from human sweat gland coils

Extracellular ATP and UTP can increase membrane permeability in the sweat gland, but the intracellular signalling regulating the response to these agonists is poorly understood. Stimulation of Cl- transport by nucleotides has been suggested as a pharmacological therapy to improve Cl- secretion in patients with cystic fibrosis. In the present study, regulation of Na+, Cl- and K+ transport in primary cultures of cells from the secretory coil of human sweat glands was investigated by electron probe X-ray microanalysis. Stimulation with 200 microM UTP for 2 min at room temperature caused a significant increase in intracellular Na but did not affect Cl and K. After 5 min, the Na concentration was still increased, but now also a significant decrease in Cl and K was observed, indicating an increase in Cl- and K+ permeability. The effect of UTP on Cl- secretion was enhanced in Mg2+-deficient buffer, indicating that the response is elicited by the extracellular fully ionized form of UTP (UTP4+), but not by MgUTP2+. The effects of UTP were abolished in Ca2+-deficient buffer supplemented with EGTA. Alloxan, an adenylate cyclase inhibitor, did not inhibit the response to UTP. These results indicate that the membrane Cl- and K+ permeability elicited by UTP in primary coil cell cultures is Ca2+-dependent. The response to UTP did not attenuate at 8 degrees C, suggesting that it could be activated, in part, via ligand-gated ion channels. The effect of UTP was not decreased in the presence of ouabain. Pre-treatment of the cells with pertussis toxin (24 h) had minor effects on Cl- secretion activated by UTP, indicating a role for G proteins in the UTP activation of Cl- secretion.

Pharmacology of CFTR chloride channel activity

Pharmacology of CFTR Chloride Channel Activity. Physiol. Rev. 79, Suppl.: S109-S144, 1999. - The pharmacology of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is at an early stage of development. Here we attempt to review the status of those compounds that modulate the Cl- channel activity of CFTR. Three classes of compounds, the sulfonylureas, the disulfonic stilbenes, and the arylaminobenzoates, have been shown to directly interact with CFTR to cause channel blockade. Kinetic analysis has revealed the sulfonylureas and arylaminobenzoates interact with the open state of CFTR to cause blockade. Suggestive evidence indicates the disulfonic stilbenes act by a similar mechanism but only from the intracellular side of CFTR. Site-directed mutagenesis studies indicate the involvement of specific amino acid residues in the proposed transmembrane segment 6 for disulfonic stilbene blockade and segments 6 and 12 for arylaminobenzoate blockade. Unfortunately, these compounds (sulfonylureas, disulfonic stilbenes, arylaminobenzoate) also act at a number of other cellular sites that can indirectly alter the activity of CFTR or the transepithelial secretion of Cl-. The nonspecificity of these compounds has complicated the interpretation of results from cellular-based experiments. Compounds that increase the activity of CFTR include the alkylxanthines, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, phosphatase inhibitors, isoflavones and flavones, benzimidazolones, and psoralens. Channel activation can arise from the stimulation of the cAMP signal transduction cascade, the inhibition of inactivating enzymes (phosphodiesterases, phosphatases), as well as the direct binding to CFTR. However, in contrast to the compounds that block CFTR, a detailed understanding of how the above compounds increase the activity of CFTR has not yet emerged.

Evidence for NO. redox form of nitric oxide as nitrergic inhibitory neurotransmitter in gut

A nitric oxide (NO)-like product of the L-arginine NO synthase pathway has been shown to be a major inhibitory neurotransmitter that is involved in the slow component of the inhibitory junction potential (IJP) elicited by stimulation of nonadrenergic, noncholinergic nerves. However, the exact nature of the nitrergic transmitter, the role of cGMP, and the involvement of a potassium or a chloride conductance in the slow IJP remain unresolved. We examined the effects of soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitors LY-83583 and 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), potassium-channel blockers and putative chloride-channel blockers diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC) and niflumic acid (NFA) on the hyperpolarization elicited by an NO. donor, diethylenetriamine/NO adduct (DNO), NO in solution, and an NO+ donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), in the guinea pig ileal circular muscle. Effects of these blockers on purinergic (fast) and nitrergic (slow) IJP were also examined. DNO-induced hyperpolarization and nitrergic slow IJP were suppressed by LY-83583 or ODQ and DPC or NFA but not by the potassium-channel blocker apamin. In contrast, hyperpolarization caused by SNP or solubilized NO gas and purinergic fast IJP were antagonized by apamin but not by inhibitors of guanylate cyclase or chloride channels. These results demonstrate biological differences in the actions of different redox states of NO and suggest that NO. is the nitrergic inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Cyclic AMP-dependent anion secretion in human small and large intestine

Cyclic AMP-dependent Cl- secretion is the major secretion pathway in human intestine. The aim of the present study was to examine mechanisms involved in cAMP-dependent anion secretion in human small and large intestine. Surgical resection specimens from both jejunum and distal colon were studied under short circuited conditions. Addition of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor IBMX induced an increase in the short-circuit current (Isc) equivalent to the net increase in Cl- secretion. The Isc was inhibited by diphenylamine decarboxylate (DPC; Cl- channel blocker), bumetanide (basolateral Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter), BaCl2 (basolateral K+ channel) and Cl- free buffer in both segments and indomethacin (cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor) in colon alone. Diphenylamine decarboxylate appears to directly inhibit secretion in jejunum, although its inhibitory effect is possibly mediated by inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase in the colon. A small component of IBMX-stimulated Isc was inhibited by acetazolamide. Cyclic AMP-dependent secretion is largely apical Cl- secretion, although a small component appears to be HCO3. Secretion is dependent on basolateral K+ channels and Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporters and, in the colon, is inhibited by indomethacin, implying a role for cyclo-oxygenase metabolites. The chloride channel blocker DPC inhibits secretion in both areas. This class of compounds may have potential for treatment of secretory diarrhoea.

Characteristics of a rat cortical collecting duct cell line that maintains high transepithelial resistance

This study describes the establishment of a rat kidney cortical collecting duct (CCD) clonal cell line (RCCD1 cells) that maintains high transepithelial resistance and specific hormonal sensitivities. Immortalized cells were obtained by infection of primary cultured CCD cells with the wild-type simian virus 40. Grown on Petri dishes, RCCD1 cells are organized as monolayers of cuboid cells separated by tight junctions and form domes. Grown on permeable filters, confluent RCCD1 cells exhibit high transepithelial resistance (Rt: 2390 +/- 140 omega. cm2), transepithelial potential difference (PD) of -10.5 +/- 1.2 mV lumen negative, an associated short-circuit current (Isc) of 4.3 +/- 0.5 microA/cm2, and generated significant Na+, K+, H+ and HCO3- gradients, reflecting Na+ and H+ reabsorption and K+ and HCO3- secretion. RCCD1 cells exhibit features of both principal (PC) and intercalated (IC) cells. Consistent with PC phenotype, about 50% of the cells were positively stained by a PC-specific agglutinin. In situ hybridization studies revealed the presence of alpha, beta and gamma subunit mRNAs of the amiloride-sensitive epithelial Na+ channel and alpha 1 and beta 1 subunits of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase. Moreover, Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase was immunolocalized at the basolateral side of the cells. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) induced a significant increase in both cellular cAMP content and Isc. Amiloride decreased in a dose-dependent manner Isc from untreated and AVP-treated RCCD1 cells. In addition, a barium-sensitive K+ conductance was evidenced in the apical side of the cells. Consistent with IC phenotype, isoproterenol (ISO) provoked a large increase in cellular cAMP and stimulated Isc. The effect of ISO on Isc was blocked by 5 x 10(-3) M DPC, a chloride channel blocker. Finally, AVP plus ISO had additive effect on Isc. Taken together, these results provide evidence that the RCCD1 cell line has maintained many of the original properties of rat CCD from which they were derived.

Contribution of chloride conductance increase to slow EPSC and tachykinin current in guinea-pig myenteric neurones

1. Single electrode voltage clamp recordings were obtained from myenteric neurones of guinea-pig ileum in vitro. Slow excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) were elicited by focal stimulation of interganglionic nerve strands in twenty-four of thirty neurones more than 30 min after impalement. In seventeen of twenty-four neurones, sEPSCs were associated with a conductance decrease and reversed polarity at -96 +/- 3 mV (near the reversal potential for potassium, EK); this response was due to inhibition of resting potassium conductance, gK. In seven of twenty-four neurones, there was either no net conductance change or a biphasic conductance change during the sEPSC; a reversal potential for peak currents could not be determined. 2. Application of senktide (3 microM), a neurokinin-3 receptor agonist, caused an inward current in forty-one of fifty-three neurones more than 30 min after impalement. In twenty of forty-one neurones, senktide-induced currents were due to inhibition of resting gK. In eleven of forty-one neurones there was either no net conductance change or a biphasic conductance change; a reversal potential for peak currents could not be determined. In ten out of forty-one neurones, senktide-induced currents were associated with a conductance increase (ginc); the estimated reversal potential was -17 +/- 3 mV. 3. Application of forskolin (1 microM) caused an inward current that occluded the decrease in gK caused by senktide and the sEPSC. In neurones in which sESPCs and senktide responses were associated with an unclear or biphasic conductance change, forskolin did not reduce the peak current and residual currents were usually associated with a ginc. 4. In neurones in which senktide-induced currents were associated with a ginc, reducing extracellular Cl- to 13 mM reduced senktide-induced currents by 79%. Reducing extracellular Na+, or adding tetraethylammonium (TEA, 50 mM), cobalt (2 mM) or picrotoxin (30 microM) did not change senktide-induced currents. The chloride transport/channel blockers niflumic acid and mefenamic acid (both at 100 microM) blocked senktide-induced currents. It was concluded that senktide increases chloride conductance (gCl). 5. Chord conductance measurements made between -70 and -90 mV during sEPSCs were used to determine the contribution of an increase in gCl to sEPSCs. These measurements indicated that the peak sEPSC is composed of a 90% decrease in gK and a 10% increase in gCl. Similar data were obtained from measurements made during senktide responses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Further characterization of the sorbitol permease in PAP-HT25 cells

The sorbitol permease enables the efflux of sorbitol from cultured rabbit papillary cells (PAP-HT25) in response to a reduction in osmolality. The anion transport inhibitor 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoate (100 microM) inhibited efflux by 92%, and 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (0.5 mM) reduced efflux by 40%. 2,4-Dinitrobenzenesulfonate and p-chloromercuriphenylsulfonic acid had no effect. The protease trypsin (0.05 mg/ml) reduced sorbitol efflux by 53%, pronase (0.01 mg/ml) by 47%, and papain (0.1 mg/ml) by 49%; chymotrypsin had no effect. Sugars and sugar alcohols at different concentrations (10-200 mM) in the bathing solution did not influence sorbitol efflux. Determination of the osmotically induced influx of sugar alcohols showed that xylitol uptake was faster than that of sorbitol; 6-deoxysorbitol was slower; L-sorbitol, arabitol, galactitol, and 2-deoxysorbitol entered at the same rate as sorbitol; and maltitol did not enter the cells. Sorbitol and 6-deoxysorbitol at 9 mM competitively inhibited [14C]sorbitol influx by 24 and 32%, respectively, whereas xylitol, taurine, betaine, and myo-inositol showed no inhibition. We conclude that 1) a specific inhibitor of the permease was not found, 2) the sorbitol permease or associated regulator is a protein, and 3) the C-6 atom of sorbitol is important in the selectivity of the permease.

Active chloride transport in the pigmented rabbit conjunctiva

The present study demonstrates, for the first time, that the excised pigmented rabbit conjunctiva is a tight barrier capable of active Cl- transport. The transepithelial potential difference was 17.7 +/- 0.8 mV (tear-side negative), the short-circuit current was 14.5 +/- 0.7 microA/cm2, and the transconjunctival resistance was 1.3 +/- 0.1 k omega.cm2 for n = 45 tissues. Various inhibitors including ouabain (a Na+/K(+)-ATPase inhibitor), amiloride (a Na+ transport blocker), N-phenylanthranilic acid (a chloride transport inhibitor), bumetanide (an inhibitor of Na(+)-(K+)-Cl- cotransport process), and BaCl2 (a K+ channel blocker) were used on the mucosal and serosal sides of the tissue mounted in Ussing chambers to determine the involvement of the respective ion transport processes in the observed short-circuit current across the conjunctiva. The results suggest that a Cl- conductive pathway is present on the mucosal side of the conjunctiva, whereas Na+/K(+)-ATPase, Na(+)-(K+)-Cl- cotransport process, and K+ conductive pathways are present on its serosal side. Amiloride-sensitive Na(+)-conductive pathways do not appear to be present on either side of the pigmented rabbit conjunctiva.

Diphenylamine-2-carboxylate analogues block Cl- conductances in A7r5 cells by affecting cellular Ca2+ homeostasis

We have investigated the cellular signalling pathway by which vasopressin stimulates a Ca2(+)-dependent Cl- conductance and the effects of two known Cl- channel blockers in cultured rat A7r5 aortic smooth muscle cells using anion efflux and fluorescent Ca2+ imaging studies. Addition of vasopressin (100 nM) to A7r5 cells enhanced 125I (Cl- substitute) efflux from the cells through a V1 receptor-mediated pathway. Maximal increases in the rate of efflux were observed 1 min following addition of vasopressin (4-fold above basal levels). Activation of the V1 pathway was demonstrated by an increase in inositol trisphosphate (IP3) formation and lack of cAMP accumulation by the cells following the addition of vasopressin. Fluorescent ratio imaging with fura-2 revealed that addition of vasopressin to the cells results in an increase of [Ca2+]i which peaks within 20 s and does not return to resting levels during the 100 s observation period. The addition of a Ca2+ ionophore mimicked the vasopressin-induced efflux from the cells. 5-Nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoic acid (NPPB) and a chloro-substituted compound (cpd 149) inhibited the vasopressin-stimulated 125I efflux from the cells. The concentrations of NPPB and cpd 149 required to inhibit 125I efflux from the cells were similar to those which also attenuated vasopressin-induced Ca2+ transients in the cells. NPPB and cpd 149 had no effects on the ionomycin stimulated efflux. The mechanism(s) by which cpd 149 exerts its effect on stimulated efflux was examined by measuring its action on vasopressin-induced changes in IP3. Compound 149 inhibited IP3 generation in response to vasopressin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Dual mechanisms for Na-K-Cl cotransport regulation in airway epithelial cells

To investigate cellular mechanisms involved in the regulation of basolateral Na-K-Cl cotransport in airway epithelia, we determined saturable basolateral [3H]bumetanide binding, a measure of functioning cotransporters, in primary cultures of canine tracheal and human nasal epithelial cells, including cells from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). As we previously reported [M. Haas, L. G. Johnson, and R. C. Boucher. Am. J. Physiol. 259 (Cell Physiol. 28): C557-C569, 1990], isoproterenol and hypertonic cell shrinkage produce an equivalent stimulation of [3H]bumetanide binding to dog tracheal cells. We now find that apical ATP and UTP, which stimulate apical Cl channels and Cl secretion in normal and CF airway cells by an adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-independent mechanism (S. J. Mason, A. M. Paradiso, and R. C. Boucher. Br. J. Pharmacol. 103: 1649-1656, 1991), increase basolateral [3H]bumetanide binding to dog tracheal cells to the same extent as do isoproterenol and hypertonic shrinkage. The stimulatory effects of ATP and UTP on binding are inhibited by apical addition of a Cl channel blocker, the indanyloxyacetic acid derivative IAA-94 (0.2 mM), or by raising basolateral K concentration ([K]b) from 3.3 to 40 mM, suggesting these effects are secondary to apical Cl efflux via channels. Apical IAA-94 and increased [K]b also inhibit stimulation of binding by isoproterenol by approximately 50%, suggesting that part (but not all) of the effect of the beta-agonist on basolateral cotransport is secondary to apical Cl efflux, with an additional component of direct stimulation of cotransport via cAMP. In support of this interpretation, we find that isoproterenol and a membrane-permeable cAMP analogue increase [3H]bumetanide binding to primary cultures of CF nasal epithelial cells, in which significant cAMP-mediated stimulation of apical Cl efflux does not occur. [3H]bumetanide binding to CF nasal cells is also stimulated by apical ATP, and levels of saturable [3H]bumetanide binding to CF cells are 1.3-1.5 times those in non-CF nasal cells under both basal and stimulated conditions. The results suggest that basolateral Na-K-Cl cotransport in airway cells may be upregulated in two distinct ways: 1) directly via a cAMP-dependent cascade, and 2) as a secondary response to apical Cl channel activation. Both of these mechanisms appear to be intact in CF.

The nature of Cl- secretion, induced by carbaryl, across the isolated skin of Rana esculenta

1. The pesticide carbaryl induces Cl- secretion through the isolated frog skin. 2. This effect is due to the activation of both processes responsible for this phenomenon: (a) Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransport on the serosal membrane; (b) Cl- selective channels on the external membrane. 3. Cl- outflux is inhibited by bumetanide (10(-5) M) on the serosal side and by diphenylamine-2-carboxylic acid (DPC) (10(-3) M) on the external side. 4. The DPC action is not mimicked by Naproxen, a specific inhibitor of cyclooxygenase. 5. A comparison with isoprenaline, demonstrates that the carbaryl action is, paradoxically, more selective than that of isoprenaline. 6. This selectivity of carbaryl action on Cl- permeability is confirmed by the fact that, unlike isoprenaline, carbaryl does not affect the permeability of Na+ and thiourea.

Regulation by calcitonin of Na(+)-K(+)-Cl- cotransport in a rabbit thick ascending limb cell line

The hormonal regulation of a Na(+)-K(+)-Cl- cotransport was investigated in a renal tubule cell line (RC.SV2 cells) transformed by the simian virus 40. This cell line has the main characteristics of cells from the thick ascending limb of Henle, including the presence of Tamm-Horsfall protein and stimulation of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) production by calcitonin (CT). Kinetic studies with 22Na+, 36Cl-, and 86Rb+ indicated the existence of a Na(+)-K(+)-Cl- cotransport with a stoichiometry of 1Na+:1K+: 2Cl-. All compounds stimulating cAMP production enhanced the ouabain-resistant bumetanide-sensitive (Or-Bs) Rb+ influx mediated by Na(+)-K(+)-Cl- cotransport. CT (100 ng/ml) increased the Or-Bs influx twofold by enhancing maximum velocity without changing the apparent Michaelis constant. The K(+)-channel blocker barium blunted the CT-stimulated Or-Bs influx by 64-74%, whereas the Cl(-)-channel blocker 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoate reduced the CT-stimulated influx by 28-40%. These results suggest that CT stimulates the Na(+)-K(+)-Cl- cotransport by a cAMP-dependent mechanism and that K+ recycling through K+ membrane channels is an important modulator of cotransporter-mediated ion fluxes.

Chemical probes for anion transporters of mammalian cell membranes

Mammalian cell membranes harbor several types of chloride channels, chloride-cation symporters/cotransporters, and several classes of anion exchangers/antiporters. These transport systems subserve different cellular or organismic functions, depending on the nature of the cell, the spatial organization of transporters, and their functional interplay. Chemical probing has played a central role in the structural and functional delineation of the various anion transport systems. The design of specific probes or their selection from existing sources coupled with their judicious application to the most appropriate biological system had led to the identification of specific anion transporters and to the elucidation of the underlying molecular transport mechanism. In many instances, chemical probing has remained the major or exclusive analytical tool for the functional definition or identification of a given transport system, particularly for discerning among the various anion transporters which operate in highly heterogeneous cell membrane systems. This work critically reviews the present state of the chemical armamentarium available for the most common anion transporters found in mammalian cell membranes. It encompasses the description of the most useful or commonly used probes in terms of their chemical, biochemical, physiological, and pharmacological properties. The review deals primarily with what chemical probes tell about anion transporters and, most importantly, with the limitations inherent in the use of probes in transport studies.

Effects of arylaminobenzoate-type chloride channel blockers on equivalent short-circuit current in rabbit colon

Arylaminobenzoates were examined in rabbit colon mounted in an Ussing chamber. The open-circuit transepithelial voltage (Vte) and resistance (Rte) were measured and the equivalent short-circuit current (Isc = Vte/Rte) was calculated. After serosal (s) and mucosal (m) addition of indomethacin (1 mumol/l) Isc was -71 +/- 11 (n = 118) microA/cm2. Amiloride (0.1 mmol/l, m) inhibited this current and reversed the polarity to +32 +/- 4 (n = 118) microA/cm2. In the presence of amiloride and indomethacin, prostaglandin E2 (1 mumol/l, s), known to induce Cl- secretion, generated an Isc of -143 +/- 8 (n = 92) microA/cm2. The arylaminobenzoate and Cl- channel blocker 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoate (NPPB) reduced Isc reversibly with a half-maximal inhibition (IC50) at approximately 0.35 mmol/l and 0.2 mmol/l for mucosal and serosal application respectively. To test whether the poor effect was caused by mucus covering the luminal surface, dose/response curves of the mucosal effect were repeated after several pretreatments. Acidic pH on the mucosal side reduced IC50 to approximately 0.1 mmol/l. A similar effect was observed after N-acetyl-L-cysteine (m) preincubation. Pretreatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (m) and carbachol (s), in order to exhaust mucus secretion, and L-homocysteine (m) were more effective and reduced IC50 to approximately 50 mumol/l. To test whether this effect of NPPB was caused by non-specific effects, the two enantiomers of 5-nitro-2-(+/-1-phenylethylamino)-benzoate were tested of which only the (+) form inhibited the Cl- conductance in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle (TAL).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC) reduces calcium influx in a mouse mandibular cell line (ST885)

Non-selective cation channels are found in many diverse cell types and have been proposed as a potential entry path for Ca2+. ST885 cells contain large numbers of these channels which are active in the resting cell. We have used Fura-2 to monitor changes in intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in response to step changes in extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]o). We found that DPC, a blocker of the non-selective cation channel in these cells, caused a reduction of approximately 50% in the rate of rise in [Ca2+]i following a step increase in [Ca2+]o. Since our experiments demonstrate that this phenomenon is not due to DPC blockade of Cl- channels, the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger or cyclooxygenase, we conclude that it is attributable to a direct effect of DPC on the non-selective cation channel. It thus appears that the non-selective cation channel is a significant pathway for basal Ca2+ entry in these cells.