Adenosine Cyclic 3′:5′-Monophosphate-mediated Transport of Neutral and Dibasic Amino Acids in Jejunal Mucosa

Effect of theophylline on l-alanine absorption in the rat jejunum

The effect of theophylline on the accumulation of L-alanine (Ala) by the rat jejunum and the mechanism involved has been investigated. Ala is rapidly accumulated by the jejunal strips in vitro and saturation is reached between 10 and 15 min. An In/Out ratio of 2.55 reflects the presence of an active component in the overall transport mechanism. Ala accumulation shows a tendency toward saturation as cellular Ala concentration increases. In the absence of Na+, Ala accumulation is reduced and a direct relationship is observed between alanine concentration in the incubation medium and its intracellular concentration. Alanine accumulation is inhibited when theophylline (TH) concentration in the incubation medium is greater than 0.5 mM. A maximum inhibition of approximately 50% in the presence of 10 mM theophylline is observed. Further inhibition (57-65%) is observed when the jejunal strips are incubated in a Na+-free medium containing 10 mM theophylline. Single-pass perfusion of the rat jejunum shows that the presence of 0.5 mM TH in the perfusate, simulating therapeutic doses, did not affect Ala absorption. However, about 55% inhibition of Ala absorption was observed when 10 mM TH was included in the perfusate. In conclusion, it could be stated that in both in vitro and in vivo studies high toxic but not therapeutic doses of TH inhibit intestinal Ala uptake. The mechanism of inhibition may be attributed to a non-carrier mediated mechanism with a minor effect noticed on Ala carrier system.

Uptake of (3)H-1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ((3)H-MPP(+)) by human intestinal Caco-2 cells is regulated by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation mechanisms

Several transmembrane transporters of organic compounds are regulated by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation mechanisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible regulation of the intestinal uptake of organic cations by these mechanisms. The intestinal apical uptake of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)) was studied by incubating Caco-2 cells at 37 degrees for 5 min with 200 nM (3)H-MPP(+). Uptake of (3)H-MPP(+) by Caco-2 cells was not affected by activators of protein kinase G, and was not affected or slightly reduced (by 15-20%) by activators of protein kinase A or protein kinase C. Uptake of (3)H-MPP(+) by Caco-2 cells was reduced in a concentration-dependent manner by non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors (3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), caffeine, teophylline). The IC(50) of IBMX was found to be 119 microM (102-138; n=9). Uptake of (3)H-MPP(+) by Caco-2 cells was not affected by inhibition of protein tyrosine kinase, but it was concentration-dependently reduced in the presence of inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase. Uptake of (3)H-MPP(+) by Caco-2 cells was strongly reduced by Ca(2+)/calmodulin-mediated pathway inhibitors, but it was not dependent on extracellular Ca(2+). Our results suggest that the intestinal apical uptake of MPP(+) is regulated by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation mechanisms, being most probably active in the dephosphorylated state. Moreover, uptake of (3)H-MPP(+) by Caco-2 cells and by the extraneuronal monoamine transporter (EMT) are regulated in a very similar manner, suggesting an important participation of EMT in the intestinal uptake of this compound.

Stimulation of bile acid active transport related to increased mucosal cyclic AMP content in rat ileum in vitro

The regulation of bile acid transport in rat ileum was studied in vitro using the adenylate cyclase stimulator forskolin, or 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Forskolin 20 microM as well as 100 microM IBMX enhanced mucosal cyclic AMP to 3-fold the control levels. As a physiological response, net fluid absorption in everted ileal sacs was reduced. Taurocholate (10-500 microM) transfer in everted perfused segments of rat ileum was measured using a three compartment dual label method suitable for measuring active transport. Transport asymmetry with absorption exceeding its counterflux by 26-fold, was measured at 500 microM taurocholate. Forskolin increased absorption of taurocholate still further, by 68%, and reduced the serosal to mucosal flux. Enhanced intracellular accumulation of taurocholate indicated a stimulatory action of forskolin on active transport at the mucosal brush-border membrane. In uptake studies, accumulation of taurocholate was enhanced by 100 microM IBMX also. Forskolin-induced uptake stimulation could also be shown for chenodeoxycholate and cholate. In the presence of the neuronal blocker tetrodotoxin, uptake stimulation was still effective. Results indicate that the ileal bile acid transporter is included within the group of sodium-dependent cotransporters of the rat small intestine which are subject to a cyclic AMP-related stimulation at the mucosal cellular level.

Proabsorptive properties of forskolin: disposition of glycine, leucine and lysine in rat jejunum

The effects of forskolin on mucosal cyclic AMP levels and active transport of glycine, L-lysine and L-leucine were studied in rat jejunum in vitro. Furthermore, the effects on lysine and glycine incorporation into mucosal protein and on mucosal cell volume were investigated. Elevation of intestinal mucosal cyclic AMP to threefold control levels by 10 mumol 1(-1) forskolin was accompanied by increased absorption of glycine (+33%), L-leucine (+72%) and L-lysine (+188%), as determined in a three compartment model suitable to measure active transport. Increased intracellular accumulation could be demonstrated for lysine as a transport substrate. Accordingly, using a dual label method, calculated values for uphill transport of lysine at the site of the brush border membrane were markedly enhanced. Forskolin up to 10 mumol 1(-1) had no effects on the fraction of lysine or glycine incorporated into TCA-precipitable proteins of jejunal absorptive cells. Serosal to mucosal transfer, as well as basolateral entry into mucosal cells remained unchanged for all three amino acids. Likewise, intracellular fluid space, calculated from distribution spaces for 14C-inulin and 3H2O as well as the response of cellular volume to an osmotic gradient were not affected by forskolin. As comparable stimulatory effects of forskolin on active hexose transport were reported earlier, it is suggested that forskolin - known to inhibit sodium-coupled fluid absorption - may stimulate active transport by enhancing sodium availability for sodium dependent intestinal cotransporters in general.

Response of rat small intestinal active aldohexose transport to elevation of mucosal cyclic AMP by forskolin and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine in vitro

The phosphodiesterase-inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) was able to elevate rat small intestinal cyclic AMP levels to 300% of basal values. Active jejunal D-glucose transport was enhanced parallel to the rise of intracellular cyclic AMP levels to 140% of control values at 100 mumol/l IBMX. Transport parameters, as determined in a three compartment model in vitro using a dual label method, indicate increased 'uphill' glucose transport at the site of the brush border membrane, higher intracellular accumulation of the sugar, with unchanged passive permeabilities. Phlorizin-inhibited D-glucose transport and L-glucose transfer in the rat were not affected by the persisting cyclic AMP elevation produced by IBMX. Stimulating effects could also be demonstrated with D-galactose as a substrate. IBMX 100 mumol/l also increased active D-glucose as well as 3-O-methylglucose transport in mouse jejunum. Stimulatory effects on intestinal hexose transport and mucosal cyclic AMP levels were also found with the adenylate-cyclase activator forskolin. In the present study, forskolin effects on jejunal mucosal cyclic AMP levels were enhanced in the presence of 100 mumol/l IBMX, resulting in a 20-fold increase compared to controls at 20 mumol/l forskolin. The concentration response for the effect of forskolin in the presence of 100 mumol/l IBMX on D-glucose transport did not produce a significant increase compared to transport stimulation with IBMX alone. At higher concentrations of forskolin however, glucose transport decreased to levels well below the IBMX controls. The elevation of cellular cyclic AMP levels had no effects on passive permeability.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Calcium-dependence of sugar transport in rat small intestine

The involvement of Ca2+ in the theophylline action on sugar transport was investigated in isolated rat small intestinal mucosa. Theophylline significantly increased cell water free sugar accumulation and reduced mucosal to serosal sugar fluxes both in the presence and absence of calcium, but the effects of theophylline were significantly less in calcium free media. In theophylline untreated tissues, calcium-deprived bathing solutions decreased tissue galactose accumulation and increased mucosal to serosal sugar flux. The calcium-channel blocker verapamil produced similar effects on intestinal galactose transport to those induced by low extracellular calcium activity. RMI 12330A and the calmodulin antagonist trifluoperazine abolished the theophylline-effects on intestinal galactose transport. Both drugs also affected sugar transport in basal conditions. These studies suggest that calcium might modulate sugar permeability across the basolateral boundary of rat enterocytes, and that its effect may be mediated by calmodulin.

Hormonal regulation of the System A amino acid transport adaptive response mechanism in a kidney epithelial cell line (MDCK)

When mammalian cells are starved for amino acids, the activity of the A amino acid transport system increases, a phenomenon called adaptive regulation. We have examined the effects of those factors which support Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell growth in a defined medium on the derepression of System A activity. Of the five factors which supported MDCK cell growth, insulin was found to be an absolute requirement for derepression. In contrast, PGE1 was a negative controlling factor for the transport system. Growth of MDCK cells in the absence of PGE1 resulted in elevated System A activity which derepressed poorly upon amino acid starvation. Kinetic analysis of alpha-(methylamino) isobutyric acid (mAIB) uptake as a function of substrate concentration showed that the elevated A activity observed when cells were grown in the absence of PGE1 was kinetically similar to the activity induced by starvation for amino acids. Transport of mAIB by amino-acid-fed cells grown in the presence of PGE1 was characterized by a linear Eadie-Hofstee graph and by a relatively low Vmax. Transport by cells starved for amino acids or by cells grown in the absence of PGE1 was characterized by biphasic kinetics for mAIB transport and by elevated Vmax values. An influence of growth factors on the inactivation of derepressed A activity was also observed. In the presence of cycloheximide the rate of loss of A activity in amino-acid-starved cells was 1/4-1/2 that of amino-acid-fed cells. Insulin slowed inactivation in the absence of most amino acids in a protein-synthesis-independent manner, but insulin did not influence the more rapid inactivation observed in amino-acid-fed cells. These results indicate that the level of System A activity observed in response to regulation by amino acids represents a balance between carrier synthesis and inactivation, which can be positively or negatively influenced by growth factors.

Forskolin-induced elevation of rat jejunal cyclic AMP levels and stimulation of active glucose transport in vitro

The adenylate cyclase stimulator forskolin enhanced both mucosal cyclic AMP levels and D-aldohexose transport in rat jejunum in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner. With mucosal cyclic AMP elevated to 400% of basal values, active D-glucose transport was at 200% of control values. Transport parameters, as determined in a three compartment model using a dual label method, indicate a) increased "uphill" glucose transport at the brush border membrane with higher intracellular accumulation, b) unchanged serosal to mucosal glucose fluxes and passive permeabilities. Transport stimulating effects of forskolin were also present with D-galactose in the rat. In mouse jejunum active transport of D-glucose and 3-O-methylglucose was increased by forskolin 10 mumol/l. Phlorizin inhibited D-glucose transport as well as L-glucose transport in the rat were not changed by the persisting cyclic AMP elevation induced by forskolin. The results show a positive correlation of active intestinal hexose transport with a modest elevation of mucosal cyclic AMP. In accordance to current models of cyclic AMP-induced changes in intestinal fluid absorption, rat jejunal net fluid transport was reduced by 40% with 20 mumol/l forskolin.

Involvement of cellular cyclic AMP in theophylline-induced sugar accumulation in chicken intestinal epithelial cells

We have studied the possible involvement of cellular cyclic AMP in theophylline-induced sugar gradient enhancement in isolated chicken enterocytes. Theophylline increases 3-O-methylglucose accumulation 3-fold after 30 min incubation. Exogenous cyclic AMP enhances sugar accumulation by 48%. Adenylyl cyclase inhibitor RMI 12 330A reduces theophylline-induced sugar gradients by 22% and theophylline-induced cyclic AMP levels by 24.5%. At the concentration used, RMI 12 330A has no effect on 3-O-methylglucose accumulation or basal cellular cyclic AMP. Since theophylline has a rapid inhibitory effect on Na+-independent sugar permeability, we conclude that the effects of the drug on sugar gradients are the result of its acting by both direct - surface membrane - and indirect - cyclic AMP mediated - mechanisms. The effect of theophylline and exogenous cyclic AMP on sugar accumulation is independent of external chloride.

Cyclic adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate and folate transport in rat jejunum

The intestinal transport of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and pteroylmonoglutamate was examined in everted sacs of rat jejunum exposed to compounds which increase intracellular cyclic adenosine-3', 5'-monophosphate. Adenyl cyclase stimulators (hydrocortisone and prostaglandin), phosphodiesterase inhibitors (3-isobutyl-l-methylxanthine, aminophylline and papaverine), and dibutyryl adenosine-3',5'-cyclicmonophosphate added to the mucosal medium inhibit the mucosal-to-serosal transport of physiological concentrations of 5-methyltetrahydrofalate and pteroylmonoglutamate. Transport inhibition is correlated with the ability of these agents to increase cellular cyclic adenosine-3', 5'-monophosphate. The active, carrier-mediated transport system of folate compounds is highly sensitive to the increase in cyclic adenosine-3', 5'-monophosphate level, while the diffusion system is insensitive. These data indicate that the active transport system of folates is modulated by cellular cyclic adenosine-3', 5'-monophosphate.

Effects of amino acids, glucagon, insulin and acetylcholine on cyclic nucleotide metabolism and amylase secretion in isolated mouse pancreatic fragments

The effects of amino acids, exogenous islet hormones and acetylcholine on cyclic nucleotide metabolism and amylase secretion in the isolated mouse pancreas have been investigated. The changes in levels of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) and guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP) were measured at different times during exposure of pancreatic fragments to amino acids (L-alanine and L-arginine), islet hormones (insulin and glucagon) or acetylcholine (ACh). L-Alanine (1-20 mM) evoked a transient increase in cyclic AMP concentration accompanied by an initial decrease and subsequent increase in the tissue concentration of cyclic GMP. L-Arginine (1-20 mM) induced a complex triphasic change in cyclic AMP concentrations involving an initial rise and a delayed sustained elevation. The changes in levels of cyclic GMP increased only transiently. The effects of insulin (10(-6) M) and to some extent glucagon (5 X 10(-7) M) resembled those seen with L-arginine. The effects of amino acids and islet hormones were all dose-dependent. ACh (10(-7) M) elicited a marked reduction in cyclic AMP concentration and this was accompanied by a concomitant increase in the level of cyclic GMP. The amino acids and the islet hormones had no significant effect on amylase secretion whereas ACh, of course, evoked a large increase in amylase output. The results with the amino acids and islet hormones reveal a clear dissociation between cyclic nucleotide changes and amylase secretion and further suggest that the marked reciprocal changes in cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP concentrations may constitute an important physiological role for the cyclic nucleotides to regulate amino acid transport in the pancreas.

A new neuroregulator: the vasoactive intestinal peptide or VIP

VIP is a neuroregulator occurring in the central and peripheral nervous system which exhibits the function of neurotransmitter in the brain, neuroendocrine substance at the pituitary level, and neuroparacrine substance in peripheral organs. The structure and the specificity of the molecule as studied by antibody and receptor, and its location in brain and peripheral organs are summarized as well as its numerous biological effects. The method used to demonstrate the involvement of VIP in a physiological regulation is described and illustrated by two examples: the effect of VIP on gut epithelium and the neuroendocrine action of VIP in inducing prolactin release from pituitary cells. The consequence of this recent progress in the knowledge of VIP release and action in human physiology and disease is indicated.

Net sodium and glucose transport in the jejunum, ileum and colon of anaesthetized rats in response to intraluminal theophylline and anionic surfactants

Osmotically balanced solutions of sodium chloride and glucose (5-150 mmol/l) were instilled into rats prepared with two tied intestinal loops (jej-col or il-col). Luminal accumulation or disappearance of Na and glucose after 15 min. was determined, and the parameters of the linear regression lines of net Na flux (y) with initial Na concentration (x) calculated. Control cation and glucose transport were changed by dioctylsulphosuccinate and dodecylsulphate in the way described by Sund & Matheson (1978). Theophylline (10-25 mmol/l) on the other hand did not alter glucose disappearance, and had a distinctly dissimilar effect on net Na transport compared to the surfactants. This could be described as a parallel displacement of the control regression lines to the right, without improvement in correlation. This effect of theophylline was greatest in the ileum, where mean luminal Na concentration corresponding to zero net transport was raised from about 70 mmol/l under control condition to values above 200 mmol/l. The results are consistent with the view that theophylline mainly affects transcellular and the surfactants mainly paracellular sodium transport, and do not support the theory that the effect of dioctylsulphosuccinate on intestinal transport is related to an activation of the mucosal adenylate cyclase/cAMP system, at least not in short term experiments.

The effect of cyclic AMP on dog renal function

The infusion of dibutyryl-cyclic AMP into the dog renal artery in vivo leads to diuresis, natriuresis and glucosuria. Addition of the nucleotide to the incubation medium bathing dog renal cortex slices in vitro causes inhibition of p-amino-hippurate accumulation and stimulation of glycine and beta-methyl-glucoside transport. The results are interpreted in terms of the development of a blood-lumen flux of sodium and water in the renal proximal tubule, analogous to that seen in the intestine.

Characterization of a vasoactive intestinal peptide-sensitive adenylate cyclase in rat intestinal epithelial cell membranes

A vasoactive intestinal peptide-sensitive adenylate cyclase in intestinal epithelial cell membranes was characterized. Stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity was a function of vasoactive intestinal peptide concentration over a range of 1 . 10(-10)-1 . 10(-7) M and was increased six-times by a maximally stimulating concentration of vasoactive intestinal peptide. Half-maximal stimulation was observed with 4.1 +/- 0.7 nM vasoactive intestinal peptide. Fluoride ion stimulated adenylate cyclase activity to a higher extent than did vasoactive intestinal peptide. Under standard assay conditions, basal, vasoactive intestinal peptide- and fluoride-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities were proportional to time of incubation up to 15 min and to membrane concentration up to 60 microgram protein per assay. The vasoactive intestinal peptide-sensitive enzyme required 5-10 mM Mg2+ and was inhibited by 1 . 10(-5) M Ca2+. At sufficiently high concentrations, both ATP (3 mM) and Mg2+ (40 mM) inhibited the enzyme. Secretin also stimulated the adenylate cyclase activity from intestinal epithelial cell membranes but its effectiveness was 1/1000 that of vasoactive intestinal peptide. Prostaglandins E1 and E2 at 1 . 10(-5) M induced a two-fold increase of cyclic AMP production. Vasoactive intestinal peptide was the most potent stimulator of adenylate cyclase activity, suggesting an important physiological role of this peptide in the cyclic AMP-dependent regulation of the intestinal epithelial cell function.

The effects of hypothyroidism and fasting on electrogenic amino acid transfer: possible evidence for multiple neutral amino acid carrier systems in rat jejunum

The jejunal mechanisms for the electrogenic transfer of four neutral amino acids (alanine, leucine, methionine, valine) and for sarcosine were characterised by an electrical method in vitro. The values for apparent Km obtained electrically agree well with those assessed by conventional chemical techniques. Hypothyroidism and/or fasting rats for 3 days induced differential changes in the apparent Km and p.d.max for the various amino acids. These alterations were interpreted as indicating the presence of at least three mechanisms for neutral amino acid transfer and one for sarcosine. In euthyroid rats, only alanine showed changes in apparent Km (decrease) and p.d.max (decrease) after fasting for 3 days. With hypothyroidism the kinetic parameters of electrogenic transfer for alanine, valine and sarcosine were significantly altered while those for leucine and methionine were unaffected.

Inhibition of protein kinase activity and amino acid and alpha-methyl-D-glucoside transport by diamide

Dizene dicarboxylic acid bis-(N,N-dimethylamide), commonly called diamide, is known to oxidize stoichiometrically intracellular pools of reduced glutathione and inhibit the accumulation of sugars and amino acids by rat kidney slices. Incubation of rat cortical slices in diamide also leads to a significant decrease in the level of endogenous protein kinase activity. The inhibition of sugar and amino acid transport and protein kinase activity by diamide is partially reversible by the addition of exogenous glutathione or other thiols. A comparison of protein kinase activity with amino acid and sugar transport at various concentrations of diamide indicates that there is a high degree of correlation between these two processes.

D-galactose accumulation in rabbit ileum. Effects of theophylline on serosal permeability

The effects of theophylline and dibutyryl cyclic AMP, on in vitro unidirectional galactose fluxes across the mucosal and serosal borders of rabbit ileum have been studied. 1. When Ringer [galactose] = 2mM, theophylline and dibutyryl cyclic AMP reduce both mucosal-serosal and serosal-mucosal galactose flux by approx. 50%. The K1 for theophylline inhibition of flux in both directions is 2 mM. 1 mM dibutyryl cyclic AMP elicits a maximal inhibitory response. Concurrent with the inhibition in transmural galactose fluxes, theophylline and dibutyryl cyclic AMP increase the tissue accumulation of [galactose] and the specific-activity ratio R of 3H : 14C-labelled galactose coming from the mucosal and serosal solutions respectively. It is deduced that theophylline and dibutyryl cyclic AMP are without effect on the mucosal unidirectional permeability to galactose but cause a symmetrical reduction in serosal entry and exit permeability. 2. Reduction in the asymmetry of the mucosal border to galactose by reducing Ringer [Na], raising Ringer [galctose] or adding ouabain reduces the theophylline-dependent increase in galactose accumulation. 3. Hypertonicity in the serosal solution increases the permeability of the serosal border to galactose and reduces tissue galactose accumulation. Serosal hypertonicity partially reverses the theophylline-depedent effects on galactose transport. Replacing Ringer chloride by sulphate abolishes the theophylline-dependent effects on galactose transport. 4. It is considered that the theophylline-dependent increase in galactose accumulation results from the reduction in serosal permeability. This is shown to be a quantitatively consistent inference. 5. Further support for the view that the asymmetric transport of galactose in rabbit ileum results from convective-diffusion is presented.

Active amino-acid and sugar uptake by gall bladder epithelium in dog, guinea-pig and man

Slices of dog gall bladder are capable of accumulating amino-acids and sugars against considerable concentration gradients across the luminal membrane of the cell. The epithelium of the common bile duct also absorbs these substrates. The transport systems are sodium-dependent, saturable and inhibited by ouabain and metabolic poisons. The specificity of the mechanisms is more reminiscent of kidney than of intestinal transport. Glycine is preferentially transported across dog gall bladder from the mucosa to the serosa, but the net flux is small. It is concluded that the contraluminal membrane of the epithelial cell might be relatively impermeable to the amino-acid. concentrative uptake also occurs in guinea-pig gall bladder; however it appears to be practically non-existent in rabbit tissue. Human gall bladders, obtained at random from the operating room, also displayed active accumulation. The gall bladder epithelium is remarkably resistant to anoxia. Furthermore, following obstruction of the common bile duct for 2 weeks in dogs, the gall bladder is still able to concentrate amino-acids and sugars, but the extent of the uptake is significantly reduced.