Monocarboxylate transport in red blood cells: kinetics and chemical modification

p-Coumaric acid and its conjugates: dietary sources, pharmacokinetic properties and biological activities

p-Coumaric acid (4-hydroxycinnamic acid) is a phenolic acid that has low toxicity in mice (LD50 = 2850 mg kg(-1) body weight), serves as a precursor of other phenolic compounds, and exists either in free or conjugated form in plants. Conjugates of p-coumaric acid have been extensively studied in recent years due to their bioactivities. In this review, the occurrence, bioavailability and bioaccessibility of p-coumaric acid and its conjugates with mono-, oligo- and polysaccharides, alkyl alcohols, organic acids, amine and lignin are discussed. Their biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, antivirus, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet aggregation, anxiolytic, antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-arthritis activities, and their mitigatory effects against diabetes, obesity, hyperlipaemia and gout are compared. Cumulative evidence from multiple studies indicates that conjugation of p-coumaric acid greatly strengthens its biological activities; however, the high biological activity but low absorption of its conjugates remains a puzzle. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Microfabricated electrochemical cell-based biosensors for analysis of living cells in vitro

Cellular biochemical parameters can be used to reveal the physiological and functional information of various cells. Due to demonstrated high accuracy and non-invasiveness, electrochemical detection methods have been used for cell-based investigation. When combined with improved biosensor design and advanced measurement systems, the on-line biochemical analysis of living cells in vitro has been applied for biological mechanism study, drug screening and even environmental monitoring. In recent decades, new types of miniaturized electrochemical biosensor are emerging with the development of microfabrication technology. This review aims to give an overview of the microfabricated electrochemical cell-based biosensors, such as microelectrode arrays (MEA), the electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) technique, and the light addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS). The details in their working principles, measurement systems, and applications in cell monitoring are covered. Driven by the need for high throughput and multi-parameter detection proposed by biomedicine, the development trends of electrochemical cell-based biosensors are also introduced, including newly developed integrated biosensors, and the application of nanotechnology and microfluidic technology.

A mathematical model for lactate transport to red blood cells

A simple mathematical model for the transport of lactate from plasma to red blood cells (RBCs) during and after exercise is proposed based on our experimental studies for the lactate concentrations in RBCs and in plasma. In addition to the influx associated with the plasma-to-RBC lactate concentration gradient, it is argued that an efflux must exist. The efflux rate is assumed to be proportional to the lactate concentration in RBCs. This simple model is justified by the comparison between the model-predicted results and observations: For all 33 cases (11 subjects and 3 different warm-up conditions), the model-predicted time courses of lactate concentrations in RBC are generally in good agreement with observations, and the model-predicted ratios between lactate concentrations in RBCs and in plasma at the peak of lactate concentration in RBCs are very close to the observed values. Two constants, the influx rate coefficient C (1) and the efflux rate coefficient C (2), are involved in the present model. They are determined by the best fit to observations. Although the exact electro-chemical mechanism for the efflux remains to be figured out in the future research, the good agreement of the present model with observations suggests that the efflux must get stronger as the lactate concentration in RBCs increases. The physiological meanings of C (1) and C (2) as well as their potential applications are discussed.

In vitro analysis of cell metabolism using a long-decay pH-sensitive lanthanide probe and extracellular acidification assay

Metabolic perturbations play a critical role in a variety of disease states and toxicities. Therefore, knowledge of the interplay between the two main cellular ATP generating pathways, glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, is particularly informative when examining such perturbations. Here we describe a new fluorescence-based screening assay for the assessment of glycolytic flux and demonstrate the value of such analysis in assessing the cellular "energy budget." The assay employs a long-decay pH-sensitive lanthanide probe to monitor extracellular acidification (ECA) in standard 96- or 384-well plates on a time-resolved fluorescence plate reader. The simple mix-and-measure procedure and fluorescence lifetime-based pH sensing allow the use of standard adherent cell culture techniques, providing high sample throughput and excellent assay performance. The assay also facilitates multiplexed or parallel analysis with existing oxygen consumption and ATP assays, thereby providing a detailed multiparametric assessment of cell metabolism. Data on cellular CO(2) production can also be obtained by comparing sealed and unsealed samples. The utility of the approach in assessing perturbed cell metabolism is demonstrated using a panel of metabolic effectors with known mechanisms of action. More complex metabolic stimuli, such as G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) activation and perturbed ion homeostasis, are also examined.

Supply and demand in cerebral energy metabolism: the role of nutrient transporters

Glucose is the obligate energetic fuel for the mammalian brain, and most studies of cerebral energy metabolism assume that the majority of cerebral glucose utilization fuels neuronal activity via oxidative metabolism, both in the basal and activated state. Glucose transporter (GLUT) proteins deliver glucose from the circulation to the brain: GLUT1 in the microvascular endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and glia; GLUT3 in neurons. Lactate, the glycolytic product of glucose metabolism, is transported into and out of neural cells by the monocarboxylate transporters (MCT): MCT1 in the BBB and astrocytes and MCT2 in neurons. The proposal of the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle hypothesis suggested that astrocytes play the primary role in cerebral glucose utilization and generate lactate for neuronal energetics, especially during activation. Since the identification of the GLUTs and MCTs in brain, much has been learned about their transport properties, that is capacity and affinity for substrate, which must be considered in any model of cerebral glucose uptake and utilization. Using concentrations and kinetic parameters of GLUT1 and -3 in BBB endothelial cells, astrocytes, and neurons, along with the corresponding kinetic properties of the MCTs, we have successfully modeled brain glucose and lactate levels as well as lactate transients in response to neuronal stimulation. Simulations based on these parameters suggest that glucose readily diffuses through the basal lamina and interstitium to neurons, which are primarily responsible for glucose uptake, metabolism, and the generation of the lactate transients observed on neuronal activation.

Flavonoids modulate monocarboxylate transporter-1-mediated transport of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in vitro and in vivo

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of flavonoids on the in vitro monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1)-mediated transport and in vivo disposition of the drug of abuse, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). The uptake of GHB in rat MCT1 gene-transfected MDA-MB231 cells was significantly decreased in the presence of the flavonoids apigenin, biochanin A, chrysin, diosemin, fisetin, genistein, hesperitin, kaempferol, luteolin, morin, narigenin, phloretin, and quercetin, but was not affected by the flavonoid glycosides phloridzin and rutin. The IC(50) values for luteolin, morin, and phloretin were 0.41 +/- 0.14, 6.41 +/- 2.01, and 2.57 +/- 0.48 microM, with the inhibition mechanism for luteolin being competitive. [(3)H]Kaempferol and [(3)H]biochanin A did not exhibit MCT1-mediated uptake, suggesting that these flavonoids are not substrates for MCT1. The combination of luteolin and phloretin inhibited the uptake of GHB in a synergistic manner; however, the combination of luteolin and morin was antagonistic. GHB 1000 mg/kg was administered to rats by i.v. bolus, with or without the concomitant administration of luteolin 10 mg/kg i.v. After luteolin treatment, the renal and total clearances of GHB were significantly increased, probably because of inhibition of the MCT1-mediated renal reabsorption of GHB, and the sleep time significantly decreased (121 +/- 5 min versus 165 +/- 10 min) compared with control rats. Overall, the results of this study indicate that flavonoids from food or herbal products may significantly alter the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of MCT substrates.

Metabolic effects ofp-coumaric acid in the perfused rat liver

The p-coumaric acid, a phenolic acid, occurs in several plant species and, consequently, in many foods and beverages of vegetable origin. Its antioxidant activity is well documented, but there is also a single report about an inhibitory action on the monocarboxylate carrier, which operates in the plasma and mitochondrial membranes. The latter observation suggests that p-coumaric acid could be able to inhibit gluconeogenesis and related parameters. The present investigation was planned to test this hypothesis in the isolated and hemoglobin-free perfused rat liver. Transformation of lactate and alanine into glucose (gluconeogenesis) in the liver was inhibited by p-coumaric acid (IC50 values of 92.5 and 75.6 microM, respectively). Transformation of fructose into glucose was inhibited to a considerably lower degree (maximally 28%). The oxygen uptake increase accompanying gluconeogenesis from lactate was also inhibited. Pyruvate carboxylation in isolated intact mitochondria was inhibited (IC50 = 160.1 microM); no such effect was observed in freeze-thawing disrupted mitochondria. Glucose 6-phosphatase and fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase were not inhibited. In isolated intact mitochondria, p-coumaric acid inhibited respiration dependent on pyruvate oxidation but was ineffective on respiration driven by succinate and beta-hydroxybutyrate. It can be concluded that inhibition of pyruvate transport into the mitochondria is the most prominent primary effect of p-coumaric acid and also the main cause for gluconeogenesis inhibition. The existence of additional actions of p-coumaric acid, such as enzyme inhibitions and interference with regulatory mechanisms, cannot be excluded.

Red blood cell lactate transport in sickle disease and sickle cell trait

This study determined and compared rates and mechanisms of lactate transport in red blood cells (RBCs) of persons with 1) sickle cell disease (HbSS), 2) sickle cell trait (HbAS), and 3) a control group (HbAA). Blood samples were drawn from 30 African-American volunteers (10 HbSS, 10 HbAS, 10 HbAA). Lactate influx into RBCs was measured by using [14C]lactate at six (2, 5, 10, 15, 25, and 40 mM) unlabeled lactate concentrations. The monocarboxylate transporter pathway was blocked by p-chloromercuriphenylsulfonic acid to determine its percent contribution to total lactate influx. Generally, total lactate influx into RBCs from the HbSS group was significantly greater than influx into RBCs from HbAS or HbAA, with no difference between HbAS and HbAA. Faster influx into HbSS RBCs was attributed to increased monocarboxylate transporter activity [increased apparent Vmax (V'max)]. V'max (4.7 +/- 0.6 micromol x ml(-1) x min(-1)) for HbSS RBCs was significantly greater than V'max of HbAS RBCs (2.9 +/- 1.5 micromol x ml(-1) x min(-1)) and HbAA RBCs (2.0 +/- 0.5 micromol x ml(-1) x min(-1)). Km (42.8 +/- 8 mM) for HbSS RBCs was significantly greater than Km (27 +/- 12 mM) for HbAA RBCs. We suspect that elevated erythropoietin levels in response to chronic anemia and/or pharmacological treatment (erythropoietin injections, hydroxyurea ingestion) is the underlying mechanism for increased lactate transport capacity in HbSS RBCs.

Effects of diethylene glycol butyl ether and butoxyethoxyacetic acid on rat and human erythrocytes

The toxicity of diethylene glycol butyl ether (DGBE), and its principal metabolite, butoxyethoxyacetic acid (BEAA), were assessed in vitro for rat and human red blood cells. Rat erythrocytes showed evidence of mild hemolysis when exposed to BEAA at concentrations of 5 or 10 mM for 4 h. BEAA treated rat red blood cells also showed evidence of sub-hemolytic damage: increased spherocytosis, a shift in distribution of cell size to larger cells, a significant increase in mean cellular volume, and a decrease in cellular deformability. However, DGBE had no effect on rat red blood cell morphology, cell size, hemolysis or deformability. There was no hemolysis when human red blood cells were exposed to DGBE or BEAA at the same concentrations. No changes in mean cellular volume, distribution of cell size, or morphologic appearance of human red blood cells were observed. No evidence for decreased deformability of human red blood cells exposed to DGBE or BEAA was found. In conclusion, BEAA has weak hemolytic activity and sub-hemolytic effects in vitro on rat erythrocytes, which is consistent with the finding of mild hemolysis when the parent compound DGBE is administered to rats by gavage. The absence of hemolysis or sub-hemolytic damage when human red blood cells were exposed to BEAA or DGBE in vitro indicates that it is unlikely that hemolysis will occur as a result of human exposure to DGBE.

Does exercise-induced hypoxemia modify lactate influx into erythrocytes and hemorheological parameters in athletes?

This study investigated 1) red blood cells (RBC) rigidity and 2) lactate influxes into RBCs in endurance-trained athletes with and without exercise-induced hypoxemia (EIH). Nine EIH and six non-EIH subjects performed a submaximal steady-state exercise on a cyclo-ergometer at 60% of maximal aerobic power for 10 min, followed by 15 min at 85% of maximal aerobic power. At rest and at the end of exercise, arterialized blood was sampled for analysis of arterialized pressure in oxygen, and venous blood was drawn for analysis of plasma lactate concentrations and hemorheological parameters. Lactate influxes into RBCs were measured at three labeled [U-14C]lactate concentrations (1.6, 8.1, and 41 mM) on venous blood sampled at rest. The EIH subjects had higher maximal oxygen uptake than non-EIH ( P < 0.05). Total lactate influx was significantly higher in RBCs from EIH compared with non-EIH subjects at 8.1 mM (1,498.1 ± 87.8 vs. 1,035.9 ± 114.8 nmol·ml−1·min−1; P < 0.05) and 41 mM (2,562.0 ± 145.0 vs. 1,618.1 ± 149.4 nmol·ml−1·min−1; P < 0.01). Monocarboxylate transporter-1-mediated lactate influx was also higher in EIH at 8.1 mM ( P < 0.05) and 41 mM ( P < 0.01). The drop in arterial oxygen partial pressure was negatively correlated with total lactate influx measured at 8.1 mM ( r = −0.82, P < 0.05) and 41 mM ( r = −0.84, P < 0.05) in the two groups together. Plasma lactate concentrations and hemorheological data were similar in the two groups at rest and at the end of exercise. The results showed higher monocarboxylate transporter-1-mediated lactate influx in the EIH subjects and suggested that EIH could modify lactate influx into erythrocyte. However, higher lactate influx in EIH subjects was not accompanied by an increase in RBC rigidity.

Injections of recombinant human erythropoietin increases lactate influx into erythrocytes

Previous studies showed that erythropoietin not only increases erythrocyte production but is also essential in both the synthesis and the good functioning of several erythrocyte membrane proteins, including band 3. It is still unknown whether anion and/or H(+) fluxes are modified by erythropoietin. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) injections on lactate transport into erythrocytes via band 3 and H(+)-monocarboxylate transporter MCT-1, two proteins involved in lactate exchange. Nine athletes received subcutaneous rHuEPO (50 U/kg body mass 3 times a week for 4 wk), and seven athletes received a saline solution (placebo group). All subjects were also supplemented with oral iron and vitamins B(9) and B(12). Lactate transport into erythrocytes was studied before and after the rHuEPO treatment at different lactate concentrations (1.6, 8.1, 41, and 81.1 mM). After treatment, MCT-1 lactate uptake was increased at 1.6, 41 (P < 0.01), and 81.1 mM lactate concentration (P < 0.001) although lactate uptake via band 3 and nonionic diffusion were unchanged. MCT-1 maximal velocity increased in the rHuEPO group (P < 0.05), reaching higher values than in the placebo group (P < 0.05) after treatment. Our results show that rHuEPO injections increased MCT-1 lactate influx at low and high lactate concentrations. The increase in MCT-1 maximal velocity suggests that rHuEPO may stimulate MCT-1 synthesis during erythrocyte formation in bone marrow.

Cytosensor Microphysiometer: technology and recent applications

The Cytosensor Microphysiometer system detects functional responses from living cells in minutes and offers novel information on cell signalling that is often unobtainable with other assay methods. The principle of the system is based on the measurement of small changes in extracellular acidification, using a light addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS). Energy metabolism in living cells is tightly coupled to cellular ATP usage, so that any event which perturbs cellular ATP levels--such as receptor activation and initiation of signal transduction--will result in a change in acid excretion. As the extrusion of protons is a very general parameter involved in the activation of nearly all kinds of membrane-bound receptors, receptors can be investigated without prior knowledge of the corresponding signalling pathway. However, by blocking certain signalling pathways inside the cell by means of signal transduction probes, specificity can be brought into the system and the corresponding receptor pathways can easily be elucidated. The aim is to give an overview about Cytosensor Microphysiometer technology and to demonstrate, with the help of some recent applications, the capability of the system to measure acidification rates from a wide variety of cell- and receptor-types coupled to different signal transduction pathways. This feature makes the cytosensor system an ideal tool for acting as a single assay system and circumventing the need for multiple assays.

An endogenous monocarboxylate transport in Xenopus laevis oocytes

We investigated the existence of an endogenous system for lactate transport in Xenopus laevis oocytes. (36)Cl-uptake studies excluded the involvement of a DIDS-sensitive anion antiporter as a possible pathway for lactate movement. L-[(14)C]lactate uptake was unaffected by superimposed pH gradients, stimulated by the presence of Na(+) in the incubating solution, and severely reduced by the monocarboxylate transporter inhibitor p-chloromercuribenzenesulphonate (pCMBS). Transport exhibited a broad cation specificity and was cis inhibited by other monocarboxylates, mostly by pyruvate. These results suggest that lactate uptake is mediated mainly by a transporter and that the preferred anion is pyruvate. [(14)C]pyruvate uptake exhibited the same pattern of functional properties evidenced for L-lactate. Kinetic parameters were calculated for both monocarboxylates, and a higher affinity for pyruvate was revealed. Various inhibitors of monocarboxylate transporters reduced significantly pyruvate uptake. These studies demonstrate that Xenopus laevis oocytes possess a monocarboxylate transport system that shares some functional features with the members of the mammalian monocarboxylate cotransporters family, but, in the meanwhile, exhibits some particular properties, mainly concerning cation specificity.

Erythrocyte membrane transport

Erythrocytes are endowed with functional entities that support either cellular functions or the systemic delivery of O2 from lung to tissue and removal of CO2 from tissue to lung. The latter depend largely on the blood's circulatory capacity. They are associated, respectively, with cytosolic haemoglobin and the major membrane polypeptide band 3 (anion exchanger 1, AE1). As a membrane transporter, AE1 mediates Cl-/HCO3- exchange, thus enhancing the blood capacity for carrying CO2 and for acid-base homeostasis. By interacting with lipids and proteins, the multifunctional AE1 tethers the membrane cytoskeleton multiprotein complex to the membrane and confers upon erythrocytes both mechanical and viscoelastic properties. Those in turn allow cells to withstand the shear forces of circulation and squeeze through capillaries. Most other major membrane transporters are apparently essential for maintaining a stable erythrocyte cell shape and flexibility via a functional membrane cytoskeleton. These include the membrane transporters of glucose, nucleoside and purine for fueling the Na/K and Ca pumps via ATP production, and of amino acid and oxidized glutathione transport for maintaining the cell redox status. All membrane transporters detected in mature erythrocytes are synthesized early in erythrocyte differentiation. Their contribution to erythrocyte and to systemic physiology is presently being re-assessed by targeted gene disruption and replacement. For example, organisms with reduced or disrupted AE1 gene expression showed major erythrocyte instabilities and defective anion exchange capacity and acidosis, but remain alive.

Human monocarboxylate transporter 2 (MCT2) is a high affinity pyruvate transporter

The transport of pyruvate and lactate across cellular membranes is an essential process in mammalian cells and is mediated by the H+/monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). We have molecularly cloned and characterized a novel human monocarboxylate transporter, MCT2. The cDNA is 1,907 base pairs long and encodes a polypeptide of 478 amino acids with 12 predicted transmembrane domains. Human MCT2 is the product of a single gene that mapped to chromosome 12q13 by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The kinetic properties of human MCT2 fulfill the criteria to establish it as a H+/monocarboxylate transporter; however, the unique biochemical feature of human MCT2 is its high affinity for the transport of pyruvate (apparent Km of 25 microM), implying that it is a primary pyruvate transporter in man. Comparison of human MCT1 and MCT2 with regard to tissue distribution and RNA transcript variants disclosed substantial differences. Human MCT2 mRNA expression was restricted in normal human tissues but widely expressed in cancer cell lines, suggesting that MCT2 may be pre-translationally regulated in neoplasia. We found co-expression of human MCT1 and MCT2 at the mRNA level in human cancer cell lines, including the hematopoietic lineages HL60, K562, MOLT-4, and Burkitt's lymphoma Raji, and solid tumor cells such as SW480, A549, and G361. These findings suggest that the two monocarboxylate transporters, MCT1 and MCT2, have distinct biological roles.

Lactate influx into red blood cells from trained and untrained human subjects

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare the fractional contributions of the three pathways of lactate transport (band 3 system, nonionic diffusion, and monocarboxylate pathway) into red blood cells (RBC) from trained and untrained humans.

METHODS

Blood samples were obtained from 19 male subjects: 5 untrained, 5 aerobically-trained, 5 competitive collegiate cross-country runners, and 4 competitive collegiate sprinters. The influx of lactate into the RBC was measured by a radioactive tracer technique using [14C]lactate. Discrimination of each pathway of lactate transport was achieved by using PCMBS (1 mM) to block the monocarboxylate pathway and DIDS (0.2 mM) to block the band 3 system. Nonionic diffusion was calculated as the difference between total lactate influx and the sum of band 3 and monocarboxylate lactate influx.

RESULTS

Total lactate influx into the RBC from the more aerobic individuals (trained subjects and cross-country runners) was significantly faster at 1.6 mM lactate concentration ([La]) as compared with the influx into RBC of the untrained subjects. Total influx of lactate was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the RBC from the sprinters as compared with that in the RBC from the untrained subjects at 41 mM [La]. There were no significant differences among the four groups with regard to the total influx of lactate at 4.1, 8.1, and 20 mM [La]. In general, the percentage of total lactate influx accounted for by each of the three parallel pathways at 1.6, 8.1, and 41.0 mM [La] was not different among the four groups of subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the groups were more similar than different with regard to RBC lactate influx.

Interindividual variation in total and carrier-mediated lactate influx into red blood cells

To study in standardbred horses interindividual variation in the influx of lactate into red blood cells, venous blood samples were collected from 89 horses from 2 wk to 9 yr of age. For 62 horses, the rate of influx was normally distributed with a mean rate of 4.09 nmol.mg protein-1.min-1 at a lactate concentration of 10 mM, and the respective value for the other 27 horses was 0.58 nmol.mg protein-1.min-1. At 30 mM of lactate, the rates were 8.71 and 1.97 nmol.mg protein-1.min-1, respectively. This bimodal distribution was independent of age. In horses with high transport activity, the monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) appears to be the major carrier, whereas, in those with low transport activity, no activity of the MCT could be detected. The band 3 protein may account for 18-39% of transport activity. With all age groups combined, the transport activity tended to be higher in mares than in stallions. Lactate transport into red blood cells seems thus to be an inherent property in which participation of various transporters varies interindividually.

Effect of 2-chloropropionate on initial lactate uptake by rat skeletal muscle sarcolemmal vesicles

2-Chloropropionate (2-CP) is a halogenated monocarboxylic acid generally used to decrease blood lactate concentration in various metabolic states. To investigate whether it has an inhibitory effect on sarcolemmal lactate transport, we compared the initial rate of lactate transport in sarcolemmal membrane vesicles purified from 20 male Wistar rats with and without 2-CP. Transport by these vesicles was measured as uptake of L-(+)-[U-14C]lactate under pH gradient-stimulated cis inhibition. The time courses of 1 mM L-(+)-lactate uptake into vesicles both with and without 10 mM 2-CP (L- or D-) displayed saturation kinetics. Lactate uptake values were lower with 10 mM L-2-CP and 10 mM D-2-CP in comparison to the control values. Both 10 mM L-2-CP and 10 mM D-2-CP significantly inhibited 1 mM L-(+)-lactate uptake (55.8 +/- 9.1 and 53.5 +/- 12.1%, respectively; P < 0.001), whereas a smaller inhibition was observed with a higher lactate concentration of 50 mM (40.2 +/- 11.2 and 38.7 +/- 12.4%; P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). However, a higher D-2-CP concentration (50 mM) increased the inhibition of pH-stimulated 1 mM L-(+)-lactate uptake (77.0 +/- 9.4%; P < 0.001). D-2-CP had a trans-stimulation effect on the initial rate of lactate efflux of 1 mM L-(+)-lactate compared with baseline efflux (9.5 +/- 0.8 vs. 5.1 +/- 0.4 nmol.min-1.mg protein-1; P < 0.05). 2-CP significantly inhibited the initial rate of lactate uptake in skeletal muscle sarcolemmal membrane vesicles. This result suggests that 2-CP is a nonstereoselective substrate of the lactate muscle carrier that impairs lactate transport.

Control of matrix synthesis in isolated bovine chondrocytes by extracellular and intracellular pH

The effects of extracellular and intracellular pH on matrix synthesis by isolated bovine chondrocytes were studied using radioisotope incorporation (35SO4 and 3H proline) and fluorescence techniques. Matrix synthesis exhibited a bimodal relation with decreased extracellular pH; with slight reductions (7.4 > pH > 7.1), synthesis increased (by up to 50%), whereas in more acidic media (pH < 7.1), synthesis was inhibited by up to 75% of control levels. The pHi was largely unchanged with extracellular acidity over the range producing stimulation of matrix synthesis but fell when exposed to the more acidic media shown to have an inhibitory action on matrix synthesis. The inhibition of matrix synthesis by lactic acid addition was unaffected by the lactic acid transporter alpha-CHC, suggesting H+ transport by this pathway is small. Direct imposition of a sustained intracellular acidosis (pHi = 6.65) using ammonium prepulse with amiloride inhibited matrix synthesis by about 20%. These results show that matrix synthesis by chondrocytes was affected by extracellular pH, an action which could not be entirely explained by changes to pHi.

Penicillium chrysogenum Takes up the Penicillin G Precursor Phenylacetic Acid by Passive Diffusion

Penicillium chrysogenum utilizes phenylacetic acid as a side chain precursor in penicillin G biosynthesis. During industrial production of penicillin G, phenylacetic acid is fed in small amounts to the medium to avoid toxic side effects. Phenylacetic acid is taken up from the medium and intracellularly coupled to 6-aminopenicillanic acid. To enter the fungal cell, phenylacetic acid has to pass the plasma membrane. The process via which phenylacetic acid crosses the plasma membrane was studied in mycelia and liposomes. Uptake of phenylacetic acid by mycelium was nonsaturable, and the initial velocity increased logarithmically with decreasing external pH. Studies with liposomes demonstrated a rapid passive flux of the protonated species through liposomal membranes. These results indicate that phenylacetic acid passes the plasma membrane via passive diffusion of the protonated species. The rate of phenylacetic acid uptake at an external concentration of 3 mM is at least 200-fold higher than the penicillin production rate in the Panlabs P2 strain. In this strain, uptake of phenylacetic acid is not the rate-limiting step in penicillin G biosynthesis.

Organic anions exhibit distinct inhibition patterns on the low-Km and high-Km transport of S-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)glutathione through the human erythrocyte membrane

The low-Km and high-Km components of S-dinitrophenyl-glutathione (DNPSG) uptake by inside-out vesicles of human erythrocytes show different pH profiles and inhibition properties with organic anions. Both components are competitively inhibited by various polyvalent anions, including glutathione conjugates, conjugated steroid hormones and bile salts, and bilirubin ditaurate. A variety of monovalent anions, including glucuronidated and sulphated drugs and taurocholate, inhibit the high-Km system only. Taurocholate is taken up by the erythrocyte vesicles in an ATP-dependent manner. The anionic dyes fluorescein, Indocyanine Green and bromosulphophthalein inhibit the low-Km system competitively and the high-Km system non-competitively. The study shows that interactions between different types of biologically occurring conjugates can occur at the level of the transport step out of erythrocytes. The kinetic properties suggest overlapping substrate specificities for the two systems, in which the low-Km component is physiologically more important for transport of glutathione conjugates and polyvalent organic anions, whereas the high-Km component is of significance for transport of monovalent organic anions. Low- and high-Km transport of DNPSG is also observed in plasma membrane vesicles from rat, pig and bovine erythrocytes.

Substrate and inhibitor specificity of the lactate carrier of human neutrophils

The substrate and inhibitor specificity of the lactic acid (Lac) transport system of human neutrophils was investigated. The ability of a variety of compounds to inhibit the influx of [14C]lactate, presumably reflecting competition by substrate analogues for binding at the external translocation site, was taken as an index of affinity for the Lac carrier. pH-state techniques were utilized to assess transportability. Results indicate a relatively low order of selectivity, the neutrophil H+(+)lactate- cotransport system demonstrating a broad acceptance of short-chain unsubstituted and substituted alkyl monocarboxylates as well as aromatic monocarboxylates. There was a slight preference for oxo, Cl, and OH substituents over other groups at the two-position of short chain alkyl fatty acids: all were readily transported across the plasma membrane at rates approaching that of L-lactate itself. Aromatic acids were not transported inward by the carrier although these compounds did permeate via simple nonionic diffusion. The neutrophil Lac carrier can be blocked by a number of cyanocinnamate derivatives, the classical inhibitors of monocarboxylate transport in mitochondria, and by dithiol compounds and sulfhydryl-reactive agents. This constellation of biochemical properties is similar to the features that characterize other well described H+(+)lactate- cotransport systems in red blood cells, Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, hepatocytes, and cardiac sarcolemmal vesicles, although significant differences exist when comparisons are made to the Na(+)-dependent lactate transporter of the kidney proximal tubule.

Identification and partial purification of the erythrocyte L-lactate transporter

1. Intact erythrocytes were incubated with 100 microM-4,4'-di-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonate (DIDS), a concentration sufficient to inhibit lactate transport irreversibly by 65%. DIDS-labelled proteins were detected by immunoblotting of erythrocyte membrane proteins with an anti-DIDS antibody. Labelled polypeptides of 35-45 kDa in rat erythrocytes, and of 40-50 kDa in rabbit and guinea pig erythrocytes, were detected by this technique. In human erythrocytes, which have 10-fold less transport activity, no labelled polypeptide in this molecular mass range was detected. 2. Labelling of these 35-50 kDa polypeptides was decreased markedly in the presence of the specific inhibitors of lactate transport alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate and 4,4'-dibenzamidostilbene-2,2'-disulphonate (DBDS), which compete with DIDS for binding to the transporter. However, the weakly bound inhibitor 4,4'-dinitrostilbene-2,2'-disulphonate (DNDS) afforded little protection against labelling by DIDS. 3. The lactate transporter from rat erythrocytes was solubilized with decanoyl-N-methyl glucamide (MEGA-10) and partially purified by Mono-Q anion-exchange chromatography, with transport activity eluting at 0.1-0.15 M-NaCl. The 35-45 kDa DIDS-labelled polypeptide from rat erythrocytes was eluted in the same peak of protein as lactate transporter activity during Mono-Q chromatography. 4. These observations provide strong evidence that the lactate transporter is a polypeptide of 35-45 kDa in rat erythrocytes and of 40-50 kDa in rabbit and guinea pig erythrocytes.

Biosensors based on the energy metabolism of living cells: the physical chemistry and cell biology of extracellular acidification

The silicon microphysiometer is a biosensor-based instrument that detects changes in the physiological state of cultured living cells by monitoring the rate at which the cells excrete acidic products of metabolism. This paper discusses the chemical and biological factors that determine the performance and applications of such a system. Under typical culture conditions, extracellular acidification is dominated by the excretion of lactic and carbonic acids formed during the energy metabolism, using glucose and glutamine as carbon sources. The maintenance of transmembrane ionic gradients is an important use of energy, as is cell growth. The activation of cellular receptors usually causes transient or sustained increases in acidification rate. The energetic cost of generating second messengers is probably too small to account for either change, so events more distal to the receptor-activation process must be responsible. The opening of ion channels may cause the increases in some cases. In others, changes in intracellular pH and loose coupling between ATP hydrolysis and synthesis may be involved; models for these processes are presented.

Muscle lactate transport studied in sarcolemmal giant vesicles

Lactate transport was studied in giant (median diameter 6.3 microns) sarcolemmal vesicles obtained by collagenase treatment of rat skeletal muscle. The lactate transport displayed stereospecificity, had a high temperature coefficient, and could be inhibited up to 90% with known transport inhibitors (PCMBS and cinnamate). In equilibrium exchange experiments, the L-lactate flux demonstrated saturation kinetics with Km = 23.7 mM and Vmax = 108 pmol cm-2 s-1. With lactate present on only one side of the membrane, (zero trans conditions), Vmax was reduced to 48 pmol cm-2 s-1. The flux rate displayed transacceleration. The lactate flux was coupled to a parallel H+ flux. Under equilibrium exchange conditions, the carrier-mediated lactate flux was not pH-dependent. In the zero trans experiments, H+ on the trans side acted as an inhibitor. The loaded form of the carrier reorients faster than the unloaded form, and the protonated form with no lactate bound reorients slowly or is immobile. When compared to intact muscles, the giant sarcolemmal vesicles retain their transport characteristics both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Transport of valproate and its effects on GABA uptake in astroglial primary culture

The antiepileptic drug Na(+)-valproate (VPA) is a broadspectrum anticonvulsant. It has been proposed to be involved in the inhibitory mechanisms of GABA-ergic systems. In this study, transport of the drug and possible influence on the GABA uptake were investigated in primary astroglial cell cultures from newborn rat cerebral cortex. The results show a Na+ and K+ independent high affinity uptake for VPA, with km and Vmax not significantly different from those observed for the GABA uptake. In the presence of the drug, the Km-value of the GABA uptake increased. The GABA uptake inhibitors guvacine, (RS)-Cis-4-OH-nipecotic acid and 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo (4,5- c) pyridin-3-ol (THPO) did not influence upon the uptake of VPA, suggesting a transport mechanism for the drug, separated from the GABA uptake carrier.