Volume-activated amino acid efflux from term human placental tissue: stimulation of efflux via a pathway sensitive to anion transport inhibitors

Reduced placental taurine transporter (TauT) activity in pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia and maternal obesity

Taurine is an important nutrient in intrauterine life, being required for fetal organ development and cellular renewal of syncytiotrophoblast (STB), the nutrient transport epithelium of the placenta. As taurine is conditionally essential in human pregnancy, the fetal and placental demand for taurine is met by uptake from maternal blood into STB through the activity of TauT. Pre-eclampsia (PE) and maternal obesity are serious complications of pregnancy, associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR) and abnormal renewal of STB, and maternal obesity is a major risk factor for PE. Here we test the hypothesis that STB TauT activity is reduced in maternal obesity and PE compared to normal pregnancy.STB TauT activity, measured in fragments of placental tissue, was negatively related to maternal BMI over the range 18-46 kg/m(2) in both the first trimester (7-12 weeks gestation) and at term (p < 0.01; linear regression). Neither TauT activity nor expression in the first trimester differed to normal pregnancy at term. STB TauT activity was significantly lower in PE than normal pregnancy (p < 0.01). Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a protein kinase C (PKC) activator which is elevated in PE and obesity, reduced STB TauT activity by 20% (50 pM-50 nM: 2 h) (p < 0.03). Activation of PKC by phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (1 μM) reduced TauT activity by 18% (p < 0.05). As TauT activity is inhibited by phosphorylation, we propose that NPY activates PKC in the STB which phosphorylates TauT in PE and maternal obesity.Reduced TauT activity could contribute to dysregulated renewal of STB and FGR that are common to PE and maternal obesity.

Placental chloride channels: a review

The human placental syncytiotrophoblast (hSTB) is a polarized epithelial structure, that forms the main barrier to materno-fetal exchange. The chloride (Cl(-)) channels in other epithelial tissues contribute to several functions, such as maintenance of the membrane potential, volume regulation, absorption and secretion. Additionally, the contributions of Cl(-) channels to these functions are demonstrated by certain diseases and knock-out animal models. There are multiple lines of evidence for the presence of Cl(-) channels in the hSTB, which could contribute to different placental functions. However, both the mechanism by which these channels are involved in the physiology of the placenta, and their molecular identities are still unclear. Furthermore, a correlation between altered Cl(-) channels functions and pathological pregnancies is beginning to emerge. This review summarizes recent developments on conductive placental chloride transport, and discusses its potential implications for placental physiology.

Swelling-induced taurine transport: relationship with chloride channels, anion-exchangers and other swelling-activated transport pathways

Cells have to regulate their volume in order to survive. Moreover, it is now evident that cell volume per se and the membrane transport processes which regulate it, comprise an important signalling unit. For example, macromolecular synthesis, apoptosis, cell growth and hormone secretion are all influenced by the cellular hydration state. Therefore, a thorough understanding of volume-activated transport processes could lead to new strategies being developed to control the function and growth of both normal and cancerous cells. Cell swelling stimulates the release of ions such as K(+) and Cl(-) together with organic osmolytes, especially the beta-amino acid taurine. Despite being the subject of intense research interest, the nature of the volume-activated taurine efflux pathway is still a matter of controversy. On the one hand it has been suggested that osmosensitive taurine efflux utilizes volume-sensitive anion channels whereas on the other it has been proposed that the band 3 anion-exchanger is a swelling-induced taurine efflux pathway. This article reviews the evidence for and against a role of anion channels and exchangers in osmosensitive taurine transport. Furthermore, the distinct possibility that neither pathway is involved in taurine transport is highlighted. The putative relationship between swelling-induced taurine transport and volume-activated anionic amino acid, alpha-neutral amino acid and K(+) transport is also examined.

Taurine: evidence of physiological function in the retina

Taurine is a free amino acid found in high millimolar concentrations in mammalian tissue and is particularly abundant in the retina. Mammals synthesize taurine endogenously with varying abilities, with some species more dependent on dietary sources of taurine than others. Human children appear to be more dependent on dietary taurine than adults. Specifically, it has been established that visual dysfunction in both human and animal subjects results from taurine deficiency. Moreover, the deficiency is reversed with simple nutritional supplementation with taurine. The data suggest that taurine is an important neurochemical factor in the visual system. However, the exact function or functions of taurine in the retina are still unresolved despite continuing scientific study. Nevertheless, the importance of taurine in the retina is implied in the following experimental findings: (1) Taurine exhibits significant effects on biochemical systems in vitro. (2) The distribution of taurine is tightly regulated in the different retinal cell types through the development of the retina. (3) Taurine depletion results in significant retinal lesions. (4) Taurine release and uptake has been found to employ distinct regulatory mechanisms in the retina.

A low conductance, non-selective cation channel from human placenta

Non-selective cation channels have been identified in the plasma membranes of many different cells. Previous research using fluorescent techniques has demonstrated the presence of cation conductances in membranes from human trophoblast. The purpose of this work was to explore, by electrophysiological methods, a non-selective cation channel in apical membranes from human placenta. Human placental apical membranes were purified by differential centrifugation and reconstituted in giant liposomes. These giant liposomes were then used for electrophysiological studies and were probed for the presence of cation channels by the patch-clamp method. The channel identified had a linear current-potential relationship with a conductance of around 16 pS in symmetrical Na(+) solution. Under asymmetrical conditions the reversal potential was close to the reversal potential for Na(+). The channel was equally permeable to sodium and potassium and the permeability sequence was NH+4>Cs(+) approximately Rb(+)>Na(+) approximately K(+)>Li(+). The channel also showed permeability to calcium and barium. The channel was insensitive to calcium but was blocked by millimolar concentration of Mg(2+). We have demonstrated the presence of a low conductance, non-selective cation channel in placental apical membranes. These channels share some properties with non-selective cation channels previously described in other different cells. The precise role of these channels in placental physiology has yet to be determined.

Transport of large neutral amino acids into BeWo cells

BeWo choriocarcinoma cells were cultured onto solid microcarrier beads, packed into columns and superfused. Unidirectional influx of l -phenylalanine (l -phe) and l -leucine (l -leu) across the microvillous border of the cells was studied using a rapid paired-tracer dilution technique. Influx of l -phe and l -leu comprised both saturable and non-saturable components. K(m)values for l -phe and l -leu were 0.57+/-0.01 m m and 0.05+/-0.01 m m, respectively, with V(max)values of 120.4+/-0.5 nmol/mg/min and 41. 7+/-0.2 nmol/mg/min. Non-saturable uptake components were 29.0+/-0.1 nmol/mg/m m and 37.9+/-0.1 nmol/mg/min/m m respectively. l -leu uptake was found to be sodium-independent. The uptake of l -[(3)H]phe was strongly inhibited (90-100 per cent) by unlabelled l -phe, d -phe, l -leu or 2-aminoendobicyclo-[2,2, 1]-heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH) but not by l -arginine (l -arg) or methyl alpha-aminoisobutric acid (Me-AIB). Pre-incubation of Bewo cultures for 24 h in the presence of an additional 1.2 m ml -phe (simulating maternal phenylketonuria) significantly reduced both the K(m)and V(max)components of l -phe influx. l -arg (2 m m) had no effect on l -leu influx whereas 2 m ml -phe completely inhibited saturable l -leu influx. These data suggest that the microvillous border of differentiated BeWo cells transport large neutral amino acids predominantly via system L rather than by B(0) or y(+)L transporters.

Volume-sensitive amino acid efflux from a pancreatic beta-cell line

Cell swelling, induced by a hyposmotic shock, increased the fractional release of taurine from INS-1 cells. Volume-sensitive taurine release was (a) dependent upon the extent of cell swelling; (b) fully reversible; and (c) temperature dependent. Volume-sensitive taurine efflux was independent from the trans-membrane Na(+)-gradient. DIDS markedly inhibited volume-activated taurine efflux but not basal taurine release suggesting that the volume-sensitive pathway is quiescent under isosmotic conditions. Volume-activated taurine release inactivated in the continued presence of a hyposmotic shock. Cell-swelling also increased the fractional release of D-aspartate from INS-1 cells. Volume-activated D-aspartate efflux was inhibited by DIDS, albeit to a lesser extent than volume-sensitive taurine release. It is predicted that volume-sensitive amino acid efflux acts in parallel with other volume-activated transport mechanisms to regulate the volume of insulin-secreting cells.

Effect of hyposmotic challenge on microvillous membrane potential in isolated human placental villi

This study examined the effect of hyposmotic solutions on the syncytiotrophoblast microvillous membrane potential (Em) in mature intermediate villi isolated from term human placentas. When villi were exposed to a control solution (280 mosmol/kgH2O; 116 mM NaCl) and then to either a 138-hyposmotic (138 mosmol/kgH2O; 37 mM NaCl) or 170-hyposmotic (170 mosmol/kgH2O; 55 mM NaCl) solution, there was a significant hyperpolarization of Em (-5.1 +/- 1.5 mV, P < 0.01 and -5.0 +/- 0.5 mV, P < 0.001, respectively; n = 10), which was reversible on removal of the hyposmotic stimulus. Low-NaCl (37 and 55 mM) solutions made isosmotic with control (i.e., 280 mosmol/kgH2O) by addition of raffinose did not significantly alter Em, suggesting that reducing NaCl concentration per se had no effect on Em. Exposure to 170-hyposmotic solution in the presence of 5 mM BaCl2 depolarized Em by +4.1 +/- 0.7 mV (P < 0.001, n = 6); BaCl2 similarly depolarized Em when added in control solution (+5.6 +/- 1. 1 mV, n = 5). Exposure to 170-hyposmotic solution containing 1 mM DIDS hyperpolarized Em by -9.0 +/- 1.7 mV (P < 0.001, n = 5). This degree of hyperpolarization was significantly greater than that observed in hyposmotic solution alone (P < 0.01) but was not different from the hyperpolarization when DIDS was added to control solution (-7.4 +/- 0.2 mV, n = 6). We conclude 1) that Ba2+-sensitive K+ conductances and DIDS-sensitive anion conductances contribute to the resting potential of the syncytiotrophoblast microvillous membrane and 2) that the syncytiotrophoblast microvillous membrane responds to a hyposmotic stimulus by activating both Ba2+-sensitive K+ and DIDS-sensitive anion conductances.

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.

Uptake and transport by the ovine placenta of neutral nonmetabolizable amino acids with different transport system affinities

Placental uptake and transport of three nonmetabolizable amino acids with different reactivities for transport systems were studied in sheep under normal physiologic conditions. Methylaminoisobutyric acid (MeAIB), which has specific affinity for the sodium-dependent A system transporters, demonstrated placental concentrative uptake from the uterine and the umbilical circulations, but virtually no transport from mother to fetus. By contrast, aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) and aminocyclopentane-1-carboxylic acid (ACP), which have affinity for both sodium-dependent and sodium-independent transporters, demonstrated both concentrative uptake and transport from mother to fetus. ACP transport rate to the fetus was approximately twice the AIB transport rate. It is concluded that a neutral amino acid which interacts almost exclusively with the weakly reversible system A transporters may be transported rapidly into the placenta and may attain high concentrations within this organ but cannot escape from placenta to fetus down its own concentration gradient because the exit route is controlled by reversible amino acid transporters at the fetal surface of the placenta. Conversely, high affinity for reversible Na-independent transporters may be a necessary condition for the rapid transport of an amino acid from placenta to fetus.

Volume-activated taurine efflux from the in situ perfused lactating rat mammary gland

The effect of cell swelling on the efflux of amino acids from the in situ perfused lactating rat mammary gland has been examined. Cell swelling, induced by a hyposmotic shock, increased the fractional release of [3H]taurine. In contrast, a hyposmotic shock did not stimulate the efflux of D-[3H]aspartate, suggesting that the effect of a hyposmotic challenge on taurine release cannot be attributed to cell lysis. Volume-activated taurine efflux was reversible, dependent upon the extent of the osmotic challenge and inactivated with a prolonged hyposmotic shock. The release of taurine was also reversibly increased following isosmotic cell swelling (using urea). The results confirm the presence of a volume-sensitive taurine efflux transport system in lactating rat mammary tissue and suggest that the volume-activated amino acid efflux pathway is located at the blood-facing aspect of the mammary epithelium.

Thyroid hormone efflux from placental tissue is not stimulated during cell volume regulation

The effects of cell swelling induced by hyposmotic shock on efflux of hybrid hormones and selected amino acids from human placental tissue were examined. Decreasing the osmolarity of external medium from 290 to 140 mOsm/kg stimulated release of taurine, tryptophan and glutamine from placental tissue fragments. The efflux rate constant for taurine increased from 0.0069 +/- 0.0012/min to 0.0646 +/- 0.0217/min (n = 6) (P < 0.001), for tryptophan from 0.016 +/- 0.0010/min to 0.0295 +/- 0.0016/min (n = 6) (P < 0.001), and for glutamine from 0.0267 +/- 0.0027/min to 0.0659 +/- 0.0043/min (n = 4) (P < 0.001). In contrast, hyposmotic challenge did not affect release of triiodothyronine, thyroxine and leucine. These results indicate that transport processes involved in the regulation of cellular volume are unlikely to facilitate efflux of thyroid hormones from placental tissue, and therefore are unlikely to mediate transfer of thyroid hormones across the placenta. In addition, it is unlikely that the transport system facilitating the release of amino acids from placental tissue during regulatory volume decrease is one of the known amino acid carriers.

Volume-sensitive taurine efflux from mammary tissue is not obliged to utilize volume-activated anion channels

Cell-swelling, induced by a hyposmotic shock, activates the release of taurine from lactating rat mammary tissue explants. The degree of stimulation of taurine efflux was dependent upon the extent of cell-swelling. Volume-sensitive taurine release was attenuated by the anion transport inhibitors NPPB, DIOA, DIDS, niflumate, flufenamate, mefenamate and diiodosalicylate but not by salicylate. Cell-swelling, following a hyposmotic challenge, did not increase the unidirectional efflux of radiolabelled I- or D-asparate from mammary tissue explants. The results suggest that although mammary tissue expresses a volume-sensitive amino acid transport system which is inhibited by anion transport blockers the pathway has no identity with volume-activated anion channels.

The mechanism of L-glutamate transport by lactating rat mammary tissue

The transport of L-glutamate by lactating rat mammary gland has been examined using both tissue explants and a perfused mammary preparation. L-Glutamate uptake by mammary tissue explants was predominantly via a Na(+)-dependent pathway: Li+, choline+ and NMDG+ could not substitute for Na+. L-Glutamate efflux from preloaded explants was also influenced by the transmembrane Na(+)-gradient. These results are consistent with (Na(+)-glutamate) cotransport. The Na(+)-dependent system for L-glutamate transport in tissue explants was saturable (Km = 112.5 +/- 19.7 microM; Vmax = 71.3 +/- 10.4 nmol/min per g cells) and selective for anionic amino acids. Thus, D- and L-aspartate were high affinity inhibitors of L-glutamate uptake whereas neutral amino acids were relatively ineffective. D-Aspartate inhibited L-glutamate uptake in a competitive fashion. L-Glutamate uptake by the perfused mammary gland was (a) Na(+)-dependent (b) saturable (Km = 18.1 +/- 4.9 microM; Vmax = 40.3 +/- 3.7 nmol/min per g tissue) and (c) selective for anionic amino acids. The results suggest that the (Na(+)-glutamate) cotransporter is situated in the blood-facing aspect of the mammary epithelium.

Identification of a high affinity taurine transporter which is not dependent on chloride

Taurine transport by lactating gerbil mammary tissue has been examined. Taurine uptake is mediated by a high-affinity system which is specific for beta-amino acids. The uptake of taurine is Na(+)-dependent but appears not to be obligatory dependent upon Cl-. Thus, replacing Na+ with choline almost abolished taurine uptake. Substituting Cl- with NO3- had no effect whereas SCN- induced a small but significant increase in taurine influx. Taurine uptake was Na(+)-dependent under conditions where Cl- had been replaced with NO3-. However, it is apparent that the Na(+)-dependent taurine transport system requires the presence of a permeable anion because replacing Cl- with gluconate markedly reduced taurine uptake. Cell-swelling, induced by a hyposmotic challenge, increased the efflux of taurine from gerbil mammary tissue via a pathway sensitive to niflumic acid.