Whole-cell K+ currents in type II pneumocytes freshly isolated from rat lung: pharmacological evidence for two subpopulations of cells

Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus infects multiple cell types in the ovine lung

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is a transmissible lung cancer of sheep caused by Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV). The details of early events in the pathogenesis of OPA are not fully understood. For example, the identity of the JSRV target cell in the lung has not yet been determined. Mature OPA tumors express surfactant protein-C (SP-C) or Clara cell-specific protein (CCSP), which are specific markers of type II pneumocytes or Clara cells, respectively. However, it is unclear whether these are the cell types initially infected and transformed by JSRV or whether the virus targets stem cells in the lung that subsequently acquire a differentiated phenotype during tumor growth. To examine this question, JSRV-infected lung tissue from experimentally infected lambs was studied at early time points after infection. Single JSRV-infected cells were detectable 10 days postinfection in bronchiolar and alveolar regions. These infected cells were labeled with anti-SP-C or anti-CCSP antibodies, indicating that differentiated epithelial cells are early targets for JSRV infection in the ovine lung. In addition, undifferentiated cells that expressed neither SP-C nor CCSP were also found to express the JSRV Env protein. These results enhance the understanding of OPA pathogenesis and may have comparative relevance to human lung cancer, for which samples representing early stages of tumor growth are difficult to obtain.

Molecular diversity and function of K+ channels in airway and alveolar epithelial cells

Multiple K(+) channels are expressed in the respiratory epithelium lining airways and alveoli. Of the three main classes [1) voltage-dependent or Ca(2+)-activated, 6-transmembrane domains (TMD), 2) 2-pores 4-TMD, and 3) inward-rectified 2-TMD K(+) channels], almost 40 different transcripts have already been detected in the lung. The physiological and functional significance of this high molecular diversity of lung epithelial K(+) channels is intriguing. As detailed in the present review, K(+) channels are located at both the apical and basolateral membranes in the respiratory epithelium, where they mediate K(+) currents of diverse electrophysiological and regulatory properties. The main recognized function of K(+) channels is to control membrane potential and to maintain the driving force for transepithelial ion and liquid transport. In this manner, KvLQT1, KCa and K(ATP) channels, for example, contribute to the control of airway and alveolar surface liquid composition and volume. Thus, K(+) channel activation has been identified as a potential therapeutic strategy for the resolution of pathologies characterized by ion transport dysfunction. K(+) channels are also involved in other key functions in lung physiology, such as oxygen-sensing, inflammatory responses and respiratory epithelia repair after injury. The purpose of this review is to summarize and discuss what is presently known about the molecular identity of lung K(+) channels with emphasis on their role in lung epithelial physiology.

Alveolar epithelial transport in the adult lung

The alveolar surface comprises >99% of the internal surface area of the lungs. At birth, the fetal lung rapidly converts from a state of net fluid secretion, which is necessary for normal fetal lung development, to a state in which there is a minimal amount of alveolar liquid. The alveolar surface epithelium facing the air compartment is composed of TI and TII cells. The morphometric characteristics of both cell types are fairly constant over a range of mammalian species varying in body weight by a factor of approximately 50,000. From the conservation of size and shape across species, one may infer that both TI and TII cells also have important conserved functions. The regulation of alveolar ion and liquid transport has been extensively investigated using a variety of experimental models, including whole animal, isolated lung, isolated cell, and cultured cell model systems, each with their inherent strengths and weaknesses. The results obtained with different model systems and a variety of different species point to both interesting parallels and some surprising differences. Sometimes it has been difficult to reconcile results obtained with different model systems. In this section, the primary focus will be on aspects of alveolar ion and liquid transport under normal physiologic conditions, emphasizing newer data and describing evolving paradigms of lung ion and fluid transport. We will highlight some of the unanswered questions, outline the similarities and differences in results obtained with different model systems, and describe some of the complex and interweaving regulatory networks.

Halothane Directly Modifies Na+ and K+ Channel Activities in Cultured Human Alveolar Epithelial Cells

During inhalational anesthesia, halogenated gases are in direct contact with the alveolar epithelium, in which they may affect transepithelial ion and fluid transport. The effects of halogenated gases in vivo on epithelial Na+ and K+ channels, which participate in alveolar liquid clearance, remain unclear. In the present study, the effects of halothane (1, 2, and 4% atm) on ion-channel function in cultured human alveolar cells were investigated using the patch-clamp technique. After exposure to 4% halothane, amiloride-sensitive whole-cell inward currents increased by 84+/-22%, whereas tetraethylammonium-sensitive outward currents decreased by 63+/-7%. These effects, which occurred within 30 s, remained for 30-min periods of exposure to the gas, were concentration-dependent, and were reversible upon washout. Pretreatment with amiloride prevented 90+/-7% of the increase in inward currents without change in outward currents, consistent with an activation of amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channels. Tetraethylammonium obliterated 90+/-9% of the effect of halothane on outward currents, without change in inward currents, indicating inhibition of Ca2+-activated K+ channels. These channels were identified in excised patches to be small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels. These effects of halothane were not modified after the inhibition of cytosolic phospholipase A2 by aristolochic acid. Exposure of the cells to either trypsin or to low Na+ completely prevented the increase in amiloride-sensitive currents induced by halothane, suggesting a release of Na+ channels self-inhibition. Thus, halothane modifies differentially and independently Na+ and K+ permeabilities in human alveolar cells.

Development of a lung slice preparation for recording ion channel activity in alveolar epithelial type I cells

Background

Lung fluid balance in the healthy lung is dependent upon finely regulated vectorial transport of ions across the alveolar epithelium. Classically, the cellular locus of the major ion transport processes has been widely accepted to be the alveolar type II cell. Although evidence is now emerging to suggest that the alveolar type I cell might significantly contribute to the overall ion and fluid homeostasis of the lung, direct assessment of functional ion channels in type I cells has remained elusive.

Methods

Here we describe a development of a lung slice preparation that has allowed positive identification of alveolar type I cells within an intact and viable alveolar epithelium using living cell immunohistochemistry.

Results

This technique has allowed, for the first time, single ion channels of identified alveolar type I cells to be recorded using the cell-attached configuration of the patch-clamp technique.

Conclusion

This exciting new development should facilitate the ascription of function to alveolar type I cells and allow us to integrate this cell type into the general model of alveolar ion and fluid balance in health and disease.

Molecular diversity and function of voltage-gated (Kv) potassium channels in epithelial cells

Voltage-gated K+ channels belonging to Kv1-9 subfamilies are widely expressed in excitable cells where they play an essential role in membrane hyperpolarization during an action potential and in the propagation of action potentials along the plasma membrane. Early patch clamp studies on epithelial cells revealed the presence of K+ currents with biophysical and pharmacologic properties characteristic of Kv channels expressed in excitable cells. More recently, molecular approaches including PCR and the availability of more selective antibodies directed against Kv alpha and auxiliary subunits, have demonstrated that epithelial cells from various organ systems, express a remarkable diversity Kv channel subunits. Unlike neurons and myocytes however, epithelial cells do not typically generate action potentials or exhibit dynamic changes in membrane potential necessary for activation of Kv alpha subunits. Moreover, the fact that many Kv channels expressed in epithelial cells exhibit inactivation suggest that their activities are relatively transient, making it difficult to ascribe a functional role for these channels in transepithelial electrolyte or nutrient transport. Other proposed functions have included (i) cell migration and wound healing, (ii) cell proliferation and cancer, (iii) apoptosis and (iv) O2 sensing. Certain Kv channels, particularly Kv1 and Kv2 subfamily members, have been shown to be involved in the proliferation of prostate, colon, lung and breast carcinomas. In some instances, a significant increase in Kv channel expression has been correlated with tumorogenesis suggesting the possibility of using these proteins as markers for transformation and perhaps reducing the rate of tumor growth by selectively inhibiting their functional activity.

Voltage-gated proton channels help regulate pHiin rat alveolar epithelium

Voltage-gated proton channels are expressed highly in rat alveolar epithelial cells. Here we investigated whether these channels contribute to pH regulation. The intracellular pH (pHi) was monitored using BCECF in cultured alveolar epithelial cell monolayers and found to be 7.13 in nominally HCO3−-free solutions [at external pH (pHo) 7.4]. Cells were acid-loaded by the NH4+prepulse technique, and the recovery was observed. Under conditions designed to eliminate the contribution of other transporters that alter pH, addition of 10 μM ZnCl2, a proton channel inhibitor, slowed recovery about twofold. In addition, the pHiminimum was lower, and the time to nadir was increased. Slowing of recovery by ZnCl2was observed at pHo7.4 and pHo8.0 and in normal and high-K+Ringer solutions. The observed rate of Zn2+-sensitive pHirecovery required activation of a small fraction of the available proton conductance. We conclude that proton channels contribute to pHirecovery after an acid load in rat alveolar epithelial cells. Addition of ZnCl2had no effect on pHiin unchallenged cells, consistent with the expectation that proton channels are not open in resting cells. After inhibition of all known pH regulators, slow pHirecovery persisted, suggesting the existence of a yet-undefined acid extrusion mechanism in these cells.

Spectrum of ion channels in alveolar epithelial cells: implications for alveolar fluid balance

The efficient transition from placental to atmospheric delivery of oxygen at birth is critically dependent on rapid reabsorption of fetal lung fluid. In the perinatal period, this process is driven by active transepithelial sodium transport and is almost exclusively dependent on expression and modulation of the amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). However, later in development, the amiloride sensitivity of the reabsorptive response, which must be sustained to keep the lungs effectively dry, wanes as a function of postnatal age. This Featured Topic (Experimental Biology Meeting, Washington, DC, April, 2004) presented exciting new evidence to demonstrate that, in addition to ENaC, the adult alveolar epithelium expresses a plethora of amiloride-insensitive ion channels, including cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, proton channels, voltage-dependent potassium channels, and cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channels. Furthermore, important evidence for selective modulation of ENaC subunits in the lung in response to cardiovascular disease was demonstrated. Finally, it is clear that newly emerging models of human alveolar epithelium in combination with the novel lung slice electrophysiological preparation will ensure that the ascription of function to specific ion channels in the in situ human lung will soon be a real possibility.

Hypoxia-induced inhibition of whole cell membrane currents and ion transport of A549 cells

In excitable cells, hypoxia inhibits K channels, causes membrane depolarization, and initiates complex adaptive mechanisms. It is unclear whether K channels of alveolar epithelial cells reveal a similar response to hypoxia. A549 cells were exposed to hypoxia during whole cell patch-clamp measurements. Hypoxia reversibly inhibited a voltage-dependent outward current, consistent with a K current, because tetraethylamonium (TEA; 10 mM) abolished this effect; however, iberiotoxin (0.1 microM) does not. In normoxia, TEA and iberiotoxin inhibited whole cell current (-35%), whereas the K-channel inhibitors glibenclamide (1 microM), barium (1 mM), chromanol B293 (10 microM), and 4-aminopyridine (1 mM) were ineffective. (86)Rb uptake was measured to see whether K-channel modulation also affected transport activity. TEA, iberiotoxin, and 4-h hypoxia (1.5% O(2)) inhibited total (86)Rb uptake by 40, 20, and 35%, respectively. Increased extracellular K also inhibited (86)Rb uptake in a dose-dependent way. The K-channel opener 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone (1 mM) increased (86)Rb uptake by 120% in normoxic and hypoxic cells by activation of Na-K pumps (+60%) and Na-K-2Cl cotransport (+170%). However, hypoxic transport inhibition was also seen in the presence of 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone, TEA, and iberiotoxin. These results indicate that hypoxia, membrane depolarization, and K-channel inhibition decrease whole cell membrane currents and transport activity. It appears, therefore, that a hypoxia-induced change in membrane conductance and membrane potential might be a link between hypoxia and alveolar ion transport inhibition.

Adult alveolar epithelial cells express multiple subtypes of voltage-gated K+ channels that are located in apical membrane

Whole cell perforated patch-clamp experiments were performed with adult rat alveolar epithelial cells. The holding potential was -60 mV, and depolarizing voltage steps activated voltage-gated K(+) (Kv) channels. The voltage-activated currents exhibited a mean reversal potential of -32 mV. Complete activation was achieved at -10 mV. The currents exhibited slow inactivation, with significant variability in the time course between cells. Tail current analysis revealed cell-to-cell variability in K(+) selectivity, suggesting contributions of multiple Kv alpha-subunits to the whole cell current. The Kv channels also displayed steady-state inactivation when the membrane potential was held at depolarized voltages with a window current between -30 and 5 mV. Analysis of RNA isolated from these cells by RT-PCR revealed the presence of eight Kv alpha-subunits (Kv1.1, Kv1.3, Kv1.4, Kv2.2, Kv4.1, Kv4.2, Kv4.3, and Kv9.3), three beta-subunits (Kvbeta1.1, Kvbeta2.1, and Kvbeta3.1), and two K(+) channel interacting protein (KChIP) isoforms (KChIP2 and KChIP3). Western blot analysis with available Kv alpha-subunit antibodies (Kv1.1, Kv1.3, Kv1.4, Kv4.2, and Kv4.3) showed labeling of 50-kDa proteins from alveolar epithelial cells grown in monolayer culture. Immunocytochemical analysis of cells from monolayers showed that Kv1.1, Kv1.3, Kv1.4, Kv4.2, and Kv4.3 were localized to the apical membrane. We conclude that expression of multiple Kv alpha-, beta-, and KChIP subunits explains the variability in inactivation gating and K(+) selectivity observed between cells and that Kv channels in the apical membrane may contribute to basal K(+) secretion across the alveolar epithelium.

Chloride and potassium channel function in alveolar epithelial cells

Electrolyte transport across the adult alveolar epithelium plays an important role in maintaining a thin fluid layer along the apical surface of the alveolus that facilitates gas exchange across the epithelium. Most of the work published on the transport properties of alveolar epithelial cells has focused on the mechanisms and regulation of Na(+) transport and, in particular, the role of amiloride-sensitive Na(+) channels in the apical membrane and the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase located in the basolateral membrane. Less is known about the identity and role of Cl(-) and K(+) channels in alveolar epithelial cells, but studies are revealing important functions for these channels in regulation of alveolar fluid volume and ionic composition. The purpose of this review is to examine previous work published on Cl(-) and K(+) channels in alveolar epithelial cells and to discuss the conclusions and speculations regarding their role in alveolar cell transport function.

Hypothesis: do voltage-gated H(+) channels in alveolar epithelial cells contribute to CO(2) elimination by the lung?

Although alveolar epithelial cells were the first mammalian cells in which voltage-gated H(+) currents were recorded, no specific function has yet been proposed. Here we consider whether H(+) channels contribute to one of the main functions of the lung: CO(2) elimination. This idea builds on several observations: 1) some cell membranes have low CO(2) permeability, 2) carbonic anhydrase is present in alveolar epithelium and contributes to CO(2) extrusion by facilitating diffusion, 3) the transepithelial potential difference favors selective activation of H(+) channels in apical membranes, and 4) the properties of H(+) channels are ideally suited to the proposed role. H(+) channels open only when the electrochemical gradient for H(+) is outward, imparting directionality to the diffusion process. Unlike previous facilitated diffusion models, HCO(-)(3) and H(+) recombine to form CO(2) in the alveolar subphase. Rough quantitative considerations indicate that the proposed mechanism is plausible and indicate a significant capacity for CO(2) elimination by the lung by this route. Fully activated alveolar H(+) channels extrude acid equivalents at three times the resting rate of CO(2) production.

Sodium channels in alveolar epithelial cells: molecular characterization, biophysical properties, and physiological significance

At birth, fetal distal lung epithelial (FDLE) cells switch from active chloride secretion to active sodium (Na+) reabsorption. Sodium ions enter the FDLE and alveolar type II (ATII) cells mainly through apical nonselective cation and Na(+)-selective channels, with conductances of 4-26 pS (picoSiemens) in FDLE and 20-25 pS in ATII cells. All these channels are inhibited by amiloride with a 50% inhibitory concentration of < 1 microM, and some are also inhibited by [N-ethyl-N-isopropyl]-2'-4'-amiloride (50% inhibitory concentration of < 1 microM). Both FDLE and ATII cells contain the alpha-, beta-, and gamma-rENaC (rat epithelial Na+ channels) mRNAs; reconstitution of an ATII cell Na(+)-channel protein into lipid bilayers revealed the presence of 25-pS Na+ single channels, inhibited by amiloride and [N-ethyl-N-isopropyl]-2'-4'-amiloride. A variety of agents, including cAMP, oxygen, glucocorticoids, and in some cases Ca2+, increased the activity and/or rENaC mRNA levels. The phenotypic properties of these channels differ from those observed in other Na(+)-absorbing epithelia. Pharmacological blockade of alveolar Na+ transport in vivo, as well as experiments with newborn alpha-rENaC knock-out mice, demonstrate the importance of active Na+ transport in the reabsorption of fluid from the fetal lung and in reabsorbing alveolar fluid in the injured adult lung. Indeed, in a number of inflammatory diseases, increased production of reactive oxygen-nitrogen intermediates, such as peroxynitrite (ONOO-), may damage ATII and FDLE Na+ channels, decrease Na+ reabsorption in vivo, and thus contribute to the formation of alveolar edema.

Effects of ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener on potassium transport and alveolar fluid clearance in the resected human lung

Since the effect of an ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP channel) opener on the function of alveolar epithelial cells is unknown, the effect of YM934, a newly synthesized KATP channel opener, on potassium influx into the alveolar spaces and alveolar fluid clearance was determined in the resected human lung. An isosmolar albumin solution with a low potassium concentration was instilled into the distal airspaces of resected human lungs. Alveolar fluid clearance was measured by the progressive increase in alveolar protein concentration. Net potassium transport was measured by the change in potassium concentration and alveolar fluid volume. YM934 (10(-4) M) increased net influx of potassium by 140% into the alveolar spaces and also increased alveolar fluid clearance by 60% in the experiments with a potassium concentration of 0.3 mEq/1. Glibenclamide (10(-4) M), a KATP channel blocker, inhibited the YM934-increased influx of potassium transport and the increase in alveolar fluid clearance. Also amiloride (10(-5) M), an inhibitors of apical sodium uptake, blocked the YM934 stimulated increase in net alveolar fluid clearance. These results indicate that a KATP channel opener can effect potassium transport and net vectorial fluid movement across the human alveolar epithelium.

A large conductance, Ca2+-activated K+ channel in a human lung epithelial cell line (A549)

A large conductance, Ca2+-activated K+ channel in a human lung epithelial cell line (A549) was identified using the single channel patch clamp technique. Channel conductance was 242 +/- 33 pS (n = 67) in symmetrical KCl (140 mM). The channel was activated by membrane depolarization and increased cytosolic Ca2+. High selectivity was observed for K+ over Rb+(0.49) > Cs+(0.14) > Na+(0.09). Open probability was significantly decreased by Ba2+ (5 mM) and quinidine (5 mM) to either surface, but TEA (5 mM) was only effective when added to the external surface. All effects were reversible. Increasing cytosolic Ca2+ concentration from 10(-7) to 10(-6) M caused an increase in open probability from near zero to fully activated. ATP decreased open probability at approximately 2 mM, but the effect was variable. The channel was almost always observed together with a smaller conductance channel, although they could both be seen individually. We conclude that A549 cells contain large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels which could explain a major fraction of the K+ conductance in human alveolar epithelial membranes.

P2u purinoceptor modulation of intracellular Ca2+ in a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line: down-regulation of Ca2+ influx by protein kinase C

The human lung small cell adenocarcinoma cell line, A549, demonstrates a concentration-dependent rise in [Ca2+]i in response to extracellular nucleotides. The cells show Ca2+ mobilization on addition of various nucleotides, with an order of agonist potency: UTP > or = ATP > ADP > ADP beta S > AMP; adenosine is ineffective. The EC50 values for UTP and ATP are 12.5 +/- 0.4 microM and 18.9 +/- 0.5 microM, respectively. Together, these results are strongly indicative of the P2U subclass being the major nucleotide receptor expressed in these cells. The Ca2+ response was typically biphasic consisting of an initial spike, representing release of Ca2+ from internal stores, and a subsequent plateau representing Ca2+ influx. The majority of cells showed an agonist-induced Ca2+ increase that was unaffected by pretreatment with the Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitors 2,5-di(tert-butyl)1,4-benzohydroquinone or thapsigargin. Caffeine did not raise [Ca2+]i above basal levels and applied in conjunction with nucleotide did not attenuate the agonist-mediated response. The Ca2+ influx was sensitive to protein kinase C, and agonist addition in the presence of a protein kinase C inhibitor, D-erythrosphingosine, produced a significantly potentiated Ca2+ influx. Furthermore, agonist-mediated Ca2+ influx was abolished in the presence of a protein kinase C activator, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate. It is concluded that these cells posses a functional P2U receptor that, upon activation, causes Ca2+ mobilization from TBQ and thapsigargin insensitive stores followed by protein kinase C regulated Ca2+ influx.

Pyridine derivatives stimulate phosphatidylcholine secretion in primary cultures of rat type II pneumocytes

We have examined the effects of pyridine derivatives on phosphatidylcholine secretion in primary cultures of rat type II pneumocytes. Of 12 pyridine derivatives, 4-aminopyridine, 4-dimethylaminopyridine and 4-pyrolidinopyridine had a stimulatory effect on phosphatidylcholine secretion, whereas other derivatives had little effect. The stimulatory effect of 4-aminopyridine was concentration- and time-dependent, and was inhibited by the acetoxymethyl ester of 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (3 microM), an intracellular Ca2+ chelator. In addition, the stimulatory effect of 4-aminopyridine was suppressed by W-7(N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-napthalene-sulphonamide)(10 microM), a calmodulin inhibitor, and sphingosine (10 microM) and staurosporine (0-1 microM), protein kinase C inhibitors. These results indicate that several pyridine derivatives stimulate phosphatidylcholine secretion in type II pneumocytes.

Effects of hypothermia and hyperpotassium on alveolar fluid clearance in the resected human lung

The effect of hypothermia and hyperpotassium on alveolar fluid clearance in the resected human lung was examined by instilling an isosmotic albumin solution with a potassium concentration of 0.3 mEq/l or 20 mEq/l into one segment of a resected lobe within 10 min of surgical removal for bronchogenic carcinoma. The experiments were carried out at 37 degrees C, 25 degrees C, and and 8 degrees C over 4 hr, after which the alveolar fluid was aspirated. Alveolar fluid clearance was calculated by a simple equation using the changes in the albumin concentration of the alveolar fluid. It was found that although hypothermia at 8 degrees C abolished alveolar fluid clearance completely, alveolar fluid clearance at 25 degrees C was not different from that at 37 degrees C. Moreover, although the potassium concentration increased in the alveolar fluid at 37 degrees C and 8 degrees C, hyperpotassium did not affect the alveolar fluid clearance. These findings indicate that the net transport of potassium leans to influx from the alveolar epithelial cells into the alveolar spaces when the alveolar potassium concentration is low, and to efflux from the alveolar spaces when the alveolar potassium concentration is high. Thus, we conclude that hypothermia abolishes alveolar fluid clearance in resected human lungs, but that the potassium concentration in alveolar fluid does not affect alveolar fluid clearance.

Anion exchange in type II pneumocytes freshly isolated from adult guinea-pig lung

We have studied chloride influx and efflux in a highly purified preparation of type II cells freshly isolated from adult guinea-pig lung using 36Cl-. Chloride uptake was time-dependent, saturable (Km < 10 mM) and was inhibited by 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (DIDS; Ki approximately 80 microM). In the absence of external chloride (substituted by gluconate), 36Cl- uptake exhibited an overshoot above equilibrium. The rate of 36Cl- entry was strongly inhibited by addition of external nitrate; sulphate was a weaker inhibitor. 36Cl- efflux was stimulated by external bromide > bicarbonate > or = chloride > or = citrate; and was inhibited by propionate > acetate > oxalate. Although the "chloride channel blocker" 4-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoate (0.14 mM) caused an inhibition, 36Cl- influx did not appear to be electrogenic. These data are compatible with the existence of a substantial electroneutral anion-exchange pathway for chloride transport in freshly isolated adult type II pneumocytes.

Mechanisms and regulation of ion transport in adult mammalian alveolar type II pneumocytes

The adult alveolar epithelium consists of type I and type II (ATII) pneumocytes that form a tight barrier, which severely restricts the entry of lipid-insoluble molecules from the interstitial to the alveolar space. Current in vivo and in vitro evidence indicates that the alveolar epithelium is also an absorptive epithelium, capable of transporting Na+ from the alveolar lumen, which is bathed by a small amount of epithelial lining fluid, to the interstitial space. The in situ localization of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in ATII cells and the fact that these cells are involved in a number of crucial functions, such as surfactant secretion and alveolar remodeling after injury, led investigators to examine their transport characteristics. Radioactive flux studies, in both freshly isolated and cultured cells, and bioelectric measurements in ATII cells grown on porous supports indicate that they transport Na+ according to the Koefoed-Johnsen and Ussing model of epithelial transport. Na+ enters the apical membrane, because of the favorable electrochemical gradient, through Na+ cotransporters, a Na(+)-H+ antiport, and cation channels and is pumped across the basolateral membrane by a ouabain-sensitive Na(+)-K+ pump. Na+ transport is enhanced by substances that increase intracellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate. In addition to Na+ transporters, ATII cells contain several transporters that regulate their intracellular pH, including a H(+)-ATPase, which may explain the low pH of the epithelial lining fluid. The absorptive properties of ATII cells may play an important role in regulating the degree of alveolar fluid in health and disease.