Inhibitors of the Cl-/HCO3- exchanger activate an anion channel with similar features in the epithelial cells of rabbit gallbladder: patch-clamp analysis

Posttranslational regulation of NO synthase activity in the renal medulla of diabetic rats

Shear stress increases nitric oxide (NO) production by endothelial cells, inner medullary collecting duct cells, and thick ascending limb. We postulated that the osmotic diuresis accompanying type 1 diabetes is associated with increased NO synthase (NOS) activity and/or expression in the renal medulla. Diabetes was induced by injection of streptozotocin, with insulin provided to maintain moderate hyperglycemia (Hyp) or euglycemia (Eug) for 3 wk. Sham rats received vehicle treatments. A separate group of rats (Phz) received phlorizin to produce a glucose-dependent osmotic diuresis. Renal medullary NOS1 and NOS2 activities did not differ between groups, whereas NOS3 activity was significantly increased in Hyp. Neither NOS1 nor NOS3 protein levels differed significantly between groups. Reduced phosphorylation of NOS3 at Thr(495) and Ser(633) was evident in medullary homogenates from Hyp rats, with no difference apparent at Ser(1177). Immunohistochemical analysis indicated prominent expression of pThr(495)NOS3 in the thick ascending limb and collecting duct of Sham and Phz rats. Hyp rats displayed staining in the collecting duct but minimal thick ascending limb staining. Immunostaining with anti-pSer(1177)NOS3 was evident only in the thick ascending limb, with no apparent differences between groups. In summary, glucose-dependent osmotic diuresis alone did not alter NOS activity or expression in the renal medulla. Diabetic hyperglycemia increased medullary NOS3 activity without a concomitant increase in NOS3 protein levels; however, NOS3 phosphorylation was reduced at Thr(495) and Ser(633). Thus changes in the phosphorylation of NOS at known regulatory sites might represent the primary mechanism underlying increased renal medullary NOS activity in diabetic hyperglycemia.

Increase in intrinsic anion conductance upon inhibition of the electroneutral Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchanger: effect of CO(2)/HCO(3)(-)

The electroneutral Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchange, present at the apical membrane of rabbit gallbladder epithelium, apparently is converted into a stilbene- and dipyridamole-sensitive, nonrectifying, approximately 5-pS anion channel after the exchange is directly inhibited (inhibitors tested: hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), phlorizin, phenylglyoxal and diphenylamine-2-carboxylic acid (DPC)). In intact tissue, in the absence of CO(2)/HCO(3)(-) in the media, the opening of these channels causes an approximately 7-mV depolarization of the apical membrane. This has been shown to be a constant index of the total Cl(-) conductance (G(Cl)) activated. The effect of exogenous and endogenous CO(2)/HCO(3)(-) on the depolarization has now been investigated in the intact tissue by conventional microelectrodes. The anion exchange has been measured radiochemically. The presence of exogenous or endogenous CO(2)/HCO(3)(-) reduces the depolarization induced by HCTZ, phlorizin and DPC from approximately 7 to 3 mV, but 10(-4) mol/l acetazolamide restores the full depolarization. Response time, S(0.5) and Hill number are unchanged in each case. The way of bicarbonate replacement is irrelevant. The depolarization generated by phenylglyoxal, which covalently binds to the transport site of the exchanger and prevents HCO(3)(-) binding, is unaffected by CO(2)/HCO(3)(-) presence. HCO(3)(-) binding to the transport site is suggested to partially hinder the conversion of the exchanger into the channel.