Ca-induced K transport in human red blood cell ghosts containing arsenazo III. Transmembrane interactions of Na, K, and Ca and the relationship to the functioning Na-K pump

Erythrocyte ion content and dehydration modulate maximal Gardos channel activity in KCNN4 V282M/+ hereditary xerocytosis red cells

Hereditary xerocytosis (HX) is caused by missense mutations in either the mechanosensitive cation channel PIEZO1 or the Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channel KCNN4. All HX-associated KCNN4 mutants studied to date have revealed increased current magnitude and red cell dehydration. Baseline KCNN4 activity was increased in HX red cells heterozygous for KCNN4 mutant V282M. However, HX red cells maximally stimulated by Ca²⁺ ionophore A23187 or by PMCA Ca²⁺-ATPase inhibitor orthovanadate displayed paradoxically reduced KCNN4 activity. This reduced Ca²⁺-stimulated mutant KCNN4 activity in HX red cells was associated with unchanged sensitivity to KCNN4 inhibitor senicapoc and KCNN4 activator Ca²⁺, with slightly elevated Ca²⁺ uptake and reduced PMCA activity, and with decreased KCNN4 activation by calpain inhibitor PD150606. The altered intracellular monovalent cation content of HX red cells prompted experimental nystatin manipulation of red cell Na and K contents. Nystatin-mediated reduction of intracellular K⁺ with corresponding increase in intracellular Na⁺ in wild-type cells to mimic conditions of HX greatly suppressed vanadate-stimulated and A23187-stimulated KCNN4 activity in those wild-type cells. However, conferral of wild-type cation contents on HX red cells failed to restore wild-type-stimulated KCNN4 activity to those HX cells. The phenotype of reduced, maximally stimulated KCNN4 activity was shared by HX erythrocytes expressing heterozygous PIEZO1 mutants R2488Q and V598M, but not by HX erythrocytes expressing heterozygous KCNN4 mutant R352H or PIEZO1 mutant R2456H. Our data suggest that chronic KCNN4-driven red cell dehydration and intracellular cation imbalance can lead to reduced KCNN4 activity in HX and wild-type red cells.

My Passion and Passages with Red Blood Cells

This article mainly presents, in sequential panels of time, an overview of my professional involvements and laboratory experiences. I became smitten with red blood cells early on, and this passion remains with me to this day. I highlight certain studies, together with those who performed the work, recognizing that it was necessary to limit the details and the topics chosen for discussion. I am uncertain of the interest a personal account has for others, but at least it's here for the record.

39K nuclear magnetic resonance and a mathematical model of K+ transport in human erythrocytes

(39)K nuclear magnetic resonance was used to measure the efflux of K(+) from suspensions of human erythrocytes [red blood cells (RBCs)], that occurred in response to the calcium ionophore, A23187 and calcium ions; the latter activate the Gárdos channel. Signals from the intra- and extracellular populations of (39)K(+) were selected on the basis of their longitudinal relaxation times, T (1), by using an inversion- recovery pulse sequence with the mixing time, tau(1), chosen to null one or other of the signals. Changes in RBC volume consequent upon efflux of the ions also changed the T (1) values so a new theory was implemented to obviate a potential artefact in the data analysis. The velocity of the K(+) efflux mediated by the Gárdos channel was 1.19+/-0.40 mmol (L RBC)(-1) min(-1) at 37 degrees C.

The Gárdos channel: a review of the Ca2+-activated K+ channel in human erythrocytes

Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) efflux from human erythrocytes was first described in the 1950s. Subsequent studies revealed that a K(+)-specific membrane protein (the Gárdos channel) was responsible for this phenomenon (the Gárdos effect). In recent years several types of Ca-activated K(+) channel have been identified and studied in a wide range of cells, with the erythrocyte Gárdos channel serving as both a model for a broader physiological perspective, and an intriguing component of erythrocyte function. The existence of this channel has raised a number of questions. For example, what is its role in the establishment and maintenance of ionic distribution across the red cell membrane? What role might it play in erythrocyte development? To what extent is it active in circulating erythrocytes? What are the cell-physiological implications of its dysfunction?This review summarises current knowledge of this membrane protein with respect to its function and structure, its physiological roles (some putative) and its contribution to various disease states, and it provides an introduction to adaptable NMR methods, which is our own area of technical expertise, for such ion transport analysis.

Calmodulin antagonists do not inhibit IK(Ca) channels of human erythrocytes

Patch-clamp recordings were performed to study the effects of three calmodulin (CaM) antagonists on the gating of intermediate calcium-activated K(+) channels (IK(Ca)) of human erythrocytes. In the cell-attached configuration, both opening frequency and open probability of IK(Ca) channels were not significantly different in control cells and in those incubated with calmidazolium, trifluoperazine or W7. IK(Ca) channels in excised membrane patches, were normally activated by the calcium bathing the cytoplasmic side in the presence of CaM antagonists, at calcium concentrations ranging from 10(-7) to 10(-3) M. The activity of IK(Ca) channels, which had been previously up-modulated by an endogenous cAMP-dependent protein kinase, was not inhibited when perfused with CaM antagonists. The results presented in this study demonstrate that calmodulin antagonists do not inhibit the activity of native IK(Ca) channels of human erythrocytes. These data are in accordance with findings on the cloned IK(Ca) indicating that calmodulin is constitutively associated with these channels.

Single Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels in human erythrocytes: Ca2+ dependence of opening frequency but not of open lifetimes

Using the patch-clamp technique single-channel properties of Ca(2+)-activated K+ (CaK) channels were investigated in inside-out membrane patches of human erythrocytes. In a physiological K+ gradient (5 mM K+ externally: 150 mM K+ internally) the single CaK channel conductance is 15 pS in the membrane potential range of -40 to +40 mV. The channel open probability, opening frequency and open and closed time distributions are voltage-independent. The open probability and the opening frequency of the CaK channel depend on [Ca2+]i and increase between 0.5 and 60 microM Ca2+ from approx. 10% to 90% of the maximum value obtained at 115 microM. The relation between open probability and [Ca2+]i can be described by a sigmoid concentration-effect curve with an EC50 of 4.7 microM and a slope factor of 1. Independent of [Ca2+]i open time distributions yield two time constants of 5.3 and 22 ms. The relative amplitudes of the fast and slow components of the open time histogram as well as the maximum open probability and the maximum opening frequency of CaK channels vary considerably. In addition, CaK channels in multiple channel patches are highly interdependent. It is concluded that the Ca(2+)-dependence of CaK channels in human erythrocytes is due to the modulation of opening frequency by internal Ca2+. The results are consistent with a classical receptor-agonist model in which ligand interaction kinetics are much faster than channel gating.

ATP dependence of Na(+)-K+ pump of cold-sensitive and cold-tolerant mammalian red blood cells

1. The ATP concentration of intact, cold-tolerant (ground squirrel) red cells and cold-sensitive (guinea-pig and human) red cells was monitored by use of the firefly tail, luciferin-luciferase assay. ATP kinetics of the pump in intact red blood cells was investigated by altering cell [ATP] by progressive depletion of ATP in the presence of 2-deoxy-D-glucose and then by measurement of ouabain-sensitive K+ influx at each level of [ATP] at various temperatures between 37 and 5 degrees C. Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity of broken membranes was also determined in parallel experiments using ouabain-sensitive release of 32P from [gamma-32P]ATP as a measure of activity. 2. Without depletion, there is no immediate decrease in [ATP] of intact cold-sensitive cells at low temperature (5 degrees C) at times when there are marked differences in the activities of the Na(+)-K+ pump of cold-tolerant and cold-sensitive cells. 3. At 37 degrees C Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase of all three species exhibited two components of ATP dependence at 37 degrees C, one with high velocity, low affinity, the other with low velocity, high affinity. Affinities of both components rose with cooling. 4. A similar, two component pattern was observed in intact guinea-pig and human red cells at 37 degrees C, except that the segment corresponding to the high affinity component had an apparent Km (Michaelis-Menten constant) 3- to 4-fold higher than that of the broken membrane preparation. 5. Cooling intact guinea-pig and human red cells decreased the apparent affinity of the high velocity, low affinity component for ATP, so that at 20 degrees C the value of Km approached or exceeded the levels of physiological ATP concentration. Below 20 degrees C only one component with values corresponding to that of the low velocity, high affinity component could be observed. 6. In intact ground squirrel cells only the low affinity, high velocity component was apparent between 37 and 5 degrees C. Its affinity for ATP rose with cooling between 37 and 5 degrees C.

The gating of human red cell Ca2(+)-activated K(+)-channels is strongly affected by the permeant cation species

Using inside-out patches, the effect of various permeant cations on the gating behaviour of the human red cell Ca2(+)-activated K(+)-channel was examined. For symmetric solutions the dwell time histograms indicated two shut and two open states. Mean open times as well as the open-state probability were affected by the permeant cation species: Rb+ stabilised the channel in the open configuration, whereas NH4+ had a destabilising effect. Intermediate stability was obtained in K+ solutions. Bi-ionic experiments indicated that the gating was influenced by the ion species occupying the channel, rather than by ions bound to external modifier sites.

Anion-coupled Na efflux mediated by the human red blood cell Na/K pump

The red cell Na/K pump is known to continue to extrude Na when both Na and K are removed from the external medium. Because this ouabain-sensitive flux occurs in the absence of an exchangeable cation, it is referred to as uncoupled Na efflux. This flux is also known to be inhibited by 5 mM Nao but to a lesser extent than that inhibitable by ouabain. Uncoupled Na efflux via the Na/K pump therefore can be divided into a Nao-sensitive and Nao-insensitive component. We used DIDS-treated, SO4-equilibrated human red blood cells suspended in HEPES-buffered (pHo 7.4) MgSO4 or (Tris)2SO4, in which we measured 22Na efflux, 35SO4 efflux, and changes in the membrane potential with the fluorescent dye, diS-C3 (5). A principal finding is that uncoupled Na efflux occurs electroneurally, in contrast to the pump's normal electrogenic operation when exchanging Nai for Ko. This electroneutral uncoupled efflux of Na was found to be balanced by an efflux of cellular anions. (We were unable to detect any ouabain-sensitive uptake of protons, measured in an unbuffered medium at pH 7.4 with a Radiometer pH-STAT.) The Nao-sensitive efflux of Nai was found to be 1.95 +/- 0.10 times the Nao-sensitive efflux of (SO4)i, indicating that the stoichiometry of this cotransport is two Na+ per SO4=, accounting for 60-80% of the electroneutral Na efflux. The remainder portion, that is, the ouabain-sensitive Nao-insensitive component, has been identified as PO4-coupled Na transport and is the subject of a separate paper. That uncoupled Na efflux occurs as a cotransport with anions is supported by the result, obtained with resealed ghosts, that when internal and external SO4 was substituted by the impermeant anion, tartrate i,o, the efflux of Na was inhibited 60-80%. This inhibition could be relieved by the inclusion, before DIDS treatment, of 5 mM Cli,o. Addition of 10 mM Ko to tartrate i,o ghosts, with or without Cli,o, resulted in full activation of Na/K exchange and the pump's electrogenicity. Although it can be concluded that Na efflux in the uncoupled mode occurs by means of a cotransport with cellular anions, the molecular basis for this change in the internal charge structure of the pump and its change in ion selectivity is at present unknown.

Membrane sidedness and the interaction of H+ and K+ on Ca2(+)-activated K+ transport in human red blood cells

The sided effects of H+ on Ca2(+)-stimulated K+ transport (the Gardos channel) were studied in human red blood cells. Cells were loaded with Ca2+ during energy depletion with the internal pH adjusted to desired levels prior to treatment with the anion-exchange inhibitor 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS), which inhibits pH equilibration across the membrane. This treatment provides a "pH clamp" whereby the internal and external H+ (H+i and H+o) concentrations can be varied separately. Channel activity was evaluated by measuring either net K+ loss or unidirectional 42K+ efflux from cells where SO2(-4) replaced Cl- on both sides of the membrane. When pHi was set at 7.4, decreasing pHo from values of 8.0 to 5.0 inhibited K+ efflux. This effect of H+o could be overcome by increasing K+o at all values of pHo. In addition, this effect of K+o could be separated from its effects on altering the membrane potential, indicating an interaction between K+o and H+o on the channel. A similar interaction was shown to occur between H+i and K+i. K+o is known to be required for activation of Ca2(+)-stimulated K+ transport, since the channel in cells preincubated in the absence of K+o (prior to exposure to Ca+i) becomes refractory to subsequent activation by Ca2+i and K+o. We found that H+o would not substitute for K+o in this regard nor would H+o inhibit the protective effect of K+o; in addition, H+ was not transported inward in exchange for K+i. Thus it would appear that there are two external sites where K+o interacts with the channel. One site is antagonized by H+o, whereas the second site is required for channel activation independent of H+ in the range studied. The inside of the channel would have, by an analogous argument, at least one site where K+i and H+i interact.

Reconstitution of a calcium-activated potassium channel in basolateral membranes of rabbit colonocytes into planar lipid bilayers

A highly enriched preparation of basolateral membrane vesicles was isolated from rabbit distal colon surface epithelial cells employing the method described by Wiener, Turnheim and van Os (Weiner, H., Turnheim, K., van Os, C.H. (1989) J. Membrane Biol. 110:147-162) and incorporated into planar lipid bilayers. With very few exceptions, the channel activity observed was that of a high conductance. Ca2+-activated K+ channel. This channel is highly selective for K+ over Na+ and Cl-, displays voltage-gating similar to "maxi" K(Ca) channels found in other cell membranes, and kinetic analyses are consistent with the notion that K+ diffusion through the channel involves either the binding of a single K+ ion to a site within the channel or "single-filing" ("multi-ion occupancy"). Channel activity is inhibited by the venom from the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus, Ba2+, quinine, and trifluoperazine. The possible role of this channel in the function of these cells is discussed.

Ca2+-activated K+ conductance of the human red cell membrane: voltage-dependent Na+ block of outward-going currents

Human red cells were prepared with various cellular Na+ and K+ concentrations at a constant sum of 156 mM. At maximal activation of the K+ conductance. gK(Ca). the net efflux of K+ was determined as a function of the cellular Na+ and K+ concentrations and the membrane potential. Vm, at a fixed [K+]ex of approximately 3.5 mM. Vm was only varied from (Vm-EK) approximately equal to 25 mV and upwards, that is, outside the range of potentials with a steep inward rectifying voltage dependence (Stampe & Vestergaard-Bogind, 1988). gK(Ca) as a function of cellular Na+ and K+ concentrations at Vm = -40.0 and 40 mV indicated a competitive, voltage-dependent block of the outward current conductance by cellular Na+. Since the present Ca2+-activated K+ channels have been shown to be of the multi-ion type, the experimental data from each set of Na+ and K+ concentrations were fitted separately to a Boltzmann-type equation, assuming that the outward current conductance in the absence of cellular Na+ is independent of voltage. The equivalent valence determined in this way was a function of the cellular Na+ concentration increasing from 0.5 to 1.5 as this concentration increased from 11 to 101 mM. Data from a previous study of voltage dependence as a function of the degree of Ca2+ activation of the channel could be accounted for in this way as well. It is therefore suggested that the voltage dependence of gK(Ca) for outward currents at (Vm-Ek) greater than 25 mV reflects a voltage-dependent Na+ block of the Ca2+-activated K+ channels.

Effects of intracellular free Ca and rate of Ca influx on the Ca pump

The activity of the Ca pump of human red blood cells was studied in resealed ghosts as a function of intracellular free Ca (fCai). Resealed ghosts were made by the agarose column method to contain, in addition to other constituents, less than 0.1 microM fCai, 100 microM arsenazo III, and either 1 mM ATP plus an ATP regenerating system (active ghosts) or no added ATP and no regenerating system (passive ghosts). The rate of Ca influx into these ghosts was manipulated by suspending them in solutions containing various combinations of free Ca (1-30 microM) and the Ca ionophore A23187 (0.1-0.7 microM). Entering Ca increased the fCai and stimulated the pump in active ghosts. In passive ghosts, all the Ca movement could be described by a single rate constant. The activity of the Ca pump was calculated from the rate of net Ca uptake in the active ghosts, using the rate constant for passive Ca movement as determined in the passive ghosts. fCai and the rates of Ca transport in both active and passive ghosts were calculated from the absorbance of entrapped arsenazo III. In general, increasing fCai from 1 to 10 microM activated the pump. Higher fCai caused an inhibition compared with peak activity. The maximum rate of pumping was 80 microM/min. The major new finding is that the rate of active transport at a given fCai appeared to vary with the rate of fCai accumulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Detection and separation of human red cells with different calcium contents following uniform calcium permeabilization

1. The human red cell, permeabilized to calcium with the ionophore A23187, is extensively used to study Ca2+ transport and the effects of intracellular Ca2+ on transport and metabolism. The interpretation of results with calcium-permeabilized cells, in general, has depended on the implicit assumption that the ionophore-induced calcium distribution among the cells is uniform. 2. To establish whether or not calcium permeabilization with the ionophore A23187 generated a uniform calcium distribution in normal-ATP red cells, a method was developed to detect and separate calcium-permeabilized red cells with different calcium contents. For the method to uncover pre-existing heterogeneity without itself inducing it, it was essential to preserve the calcium distribution which existed at the time of sampling. The method was based (i) on the ability of cytoplasmic Ca2+ to activate K+-selective channels in the membrane, and (ii) on the demonstration here that thiocyanate (SCN-) is a non-limiting co-ion for rapid net KSCN efflux and cell shrinkage in the cold. 3. Calcium-permeabilized cells in pump-leak steady state were washed free of ionophore using ice-cold, albumin-containing media. Subsequent incubation at 0 degrees C in low-K+ media with 45-75 mM-SCN- generated dense-cell fractions (H cells) in less than 10 min. These could be separated from the remaining light cells (L cells) by either centrifugation over phthalate oils, or differential osmotic haemolysis, with conservation of the mean total cell calcium. 4. Analysis of the calcium content of H and L cell fractions revealed striking differences in their calcium content, with 70-99% of the mean total cell calcium in the H cell fraction. 5. The ionophore content of density-separated cells, processed with omission of the ionophore removal step, was similar for cells with high- and low-calcium. Magnesium loss from ionophore-treated red cells suspended in magnesium-free media followed single exponentials. Thus ionophore distribution and induced permeability were uniform, and the unequal cell calcium content must be due to factors affecting active calcium extrusion.

Ca2+-activated K+ conductance of human red cell membranes exhibits two different types of voltage dependence

The voltage dependence for outward-going current of the Ca-activated K+ conductance (gK(Ca] of the human red cell membrane has been examined over a wide range of membrane potentials (Vm at constant values of [K+]ex, [K+]c and pHc, the intact cells being preloaded to different concentrations of ionized calcium. Outward-current conductances were calculated from initial net effluxes of K+ and the corresponding (Vm - EK) values. The basic conductance, defined as the outward-current conductance at (Vm - EK) greater than or equal to 20 mV and [K+]ex greater than or equal to 3 mM (B. Vestergaard-Bogind, P. Stampe and P. Christophersen, J. Membrane Biol. 95:121-130, 1987) was found to be a function of cellular ionized Ca. At all degrees of Ca activation gK(Ca) was an apparently linear function of voltage (Vm range -40 to +70 mV), the absolute level as well as the slope decreasing with decreasing activation. In a simple two-state model the constant voltage dependence can, at the different degrees of Ca activation, be accounted for by a Boltzmann-type equilibrium function with an equivalent valence of approximately 0.4, assuming chemical equilibrium at Vm = 0 mV. Alternatively, the phenomenon might be explained by a voltage-dependent block of the outward current by an intracellular ion. Superimposed upon the basic conductance is the apparently independent inward-rectifying steep voltage function with an equivalent valence of approximately 5 and chemical equilibrium at the given EK value.

Photolabile chelators for the rapid photorelease of divalent cations

The properties of a recently synthesized photolabile chelator for divalent cations are described, the affinity of which for Ca2+ changes by some 5 orders of magnitude on illumination. The compound 1-(2-nitro-4,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N,N,N',N'-tetrakis[(oxycarbonyl)me thyl]-1,2-ethanediamine (DM-nitrophen) binds Ca2+ (Kd approximately 5.0 x 10(-9) M) and Mg2+ (Kd approximately 2.5 x 10(-6) M) with relatively high affinities. On exposure of the DM-nitrophen-Ca2+ complex to UV light in the 350-nm range, the chelator is cleaved yielding iminodiacetic products with a much lower affinity for Ca (Kd approximately 3 x 10(-3) M) and the free [Ca2+] increases. The quantum yield for Ca2+ release is 0.18. In experiments with chemically skinned skeletal muscle fibers, a fully relaxed fiber equilibrated with DM-nitrophen-Ca2+ complex produced maximal contraction after a single flash from a frequency-doubled ruby laser (347 nm). Half-maximal tension was achieved in approximately 40 ms, some 5 times faster than that obtained after a rapid solution change from a Ca2+-free to a Ca2+-containing solution. In experiments with resealed human erythrocyte ghosts, irradiation of ghosts containing the DM-nitrophen-Ca2+ complex activates a Ca2+-dependent K+ efflux pathway, which is not observed in the absence of illumination. DM-nitrophen is sufficiently stable and photolabile to be used as a caged Ca (or caged Mg) for the rapid photoinitiation of divalent cation-dependent processes over a wide concentration range with a significant increase in temporal resolution over conventional mixing methods.

Cell Na+ activities and transcellular Na+ absorption by descending colon from normal and Na+-deprived rabbits

The relation between intracellular Na+ activities, (Na)c, determined employing Na+-selective microelectrodes, and the rates of active Na+ absorption, INa, by rabbit descending colon was examined when INa was varied over a wide range by chronic dietary Na+ deprivation. (Na)c averaged 13 mM and was independent of INa over a sixfold range. Further, the ratios of the slope resistance of the apical membrane (rm) to that of the basolateral membrane (rs) (i.e. rm/rs) in low-transporters (control diet) and high-transporters (Na+-deprived) did not differ significantly inspite of the fact that the Na+ conductance of the apical membranes of high-transporters was, on the average, three times greater than that of the low-transporters. These findings, together with the results reported by other laboratories, strongly suggest that the aldosterone-induced increase in the conductance of the apical membrane to Na+ and, in turn, the rate of entry of Na+ into the absorptive cells are followed by parallel increases in the ability of cells to extrude Na+ across the basolateral membrane in the absence of a sustained increase in (Na)c as well as the conductance of that barrier.

Evidence for the involvement of calmodulin in the operation of Ca-activated K channels in mouse fibroblasts

The oscillation of membrane potential in fibroblastic L cells is known to result from periodic stimulation of Ca2+-activated K+ channels due to the oscillatory increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. These repeated hyperpolarizations were inhibited by putative calmodulin antagonists, trifluoperazine (TFP), N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide (W-7) and promethazine (PMZ), and the concentrations required for half-maximal inhibition were 25, 30 and 300 microM, respectively. These doses were lower than those for reducing the membrane resistance due to nonspecific cell damages. Another calmodulin antagonist, chlorpromazine (CPZ), was also effective, but CPZ-sulfoxide was not. Intracellular pressure injections of calmodulin-interacting divalent cations, Ca2+, Sr2+, Mn2+ and Ni2+, elicited slow hyperpolarizations, whereas Mg2+ and Ba2+, which are known to be essentially inert for calmodulin, failed to evoke any responses. The injection of purified calmodulin also brought about a similar hyperpolarization. Quinine, an inhibitor of Ca2+-activated K+ channels, abolished both Ca2+- and calmodulin-induced hyperpolarizations. TFP prevented Ca2+-induced hyperpolarizations. The TFP effect was partially reversed by the calmodulin injection. It is concluded that calmodulin is involved in the operation of Ca2+-activated K+ channels in fibroblasts.

Voltage dependence of the Ca2+-activated K+ conductance of human red cell membranes is strongly dependent on the extracellular K+ concentration

The conductance of the Ca2+-activated K+ channel (gK(Ca)) of the human red cell membrane was studied as a function of membrane potential (Vm) and extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]ex). ATP-depleted cells, with fixed values of cellular K+ (145 mM) and pH (approximately 7.1), and preloaded with approximately 27 microM ionized Ca were transferred, with open K+ channels, to buffer-free salt solutions with given K+ concentrations. Outward-current conductances were calculated from initial net effluxes of K+, corresponding Vm, monitored by CCCP-mediated electrochemical equilibration of protons between a buffer-free extracellular and the heavily buffered cellular phases, and Nernst equilibrium potentials of K ions (EK) determined at the peak of hyperpolarization. Zero-current conductances were calculated from unidirectional effluxes of 42K at (Vm-EK) approximately equal to 0, using a single-file flux ratio exponent of 2.7. Within a [K+]ex range of 5.5 to 60 mM and at (Vm-EK) greater than or equal to 20 mV a basic conductance, which was independent of [K+]ex, was found. It had a small voltage dependence, varying linearly from 45 to 70 microS/cm2 between 0 and -100 mV. As (Vm-EK) decreased from 20 towards zero mV gK(Ca) increased hyperbolically from the basic value towards a zero-current value of 165 microS/cm2. The zero-current conductance was not significantly dependent on [K+]ex (30 to 156 mM) corresponding to Vm (-50 mV to 0). A further increase in gK(Ca) symmetrically around EK is suggested as (Vm-EK) becomes positive. Increasing the extracellular K+ concentration from zero and up to approximately 3 mM resulted in an increase in gK(Ca) from approximately 50 to approximately 70 microS/cm2. Since the driving force (Vm-EK) was larger than 20 mV within this range of [K+]ex this was probably a specific K+ activation of gK(Ca).

IN CONCLUSION

The Ca2+-activated K+ channel of the human red cell membrane is an inward rectifier showing the characteristic voltage dependence of this type of channel.

Delayed activation of calcium pump during transient increases in cellular Ca2+ concentration and K+ conductance in hyperpolarizing human red cells

The net Ca2+ influx was increased in human red cells in suspension by adding moderate concentrations of the Ca2+ ionophore A23187, and due to the increased cellular Ca2+ concentration [( Ca]i) the K+ channels opened (the 'Gardos effect'). At low K+ concentration and with the protonophore CCCP in the buffer-free medium the cells hyperpolarized and the extracellular pH (pH0) increased, enhancing the A23187-mediated net Ca2+ influx. This elicited a prolonged response, viz. a primary transient increase of pH0 and [Ca]i followed by one or more spontaneous pH0 and [Ca]i transients. We explored the pump-mediated Ca2+ efflux by blocking the A23187-mediated Ca2+ flux with CoCl2 at appropriate times during the prolonged response. The Ca2+ pumping was higher during the descendent than during the ascendent phase of the primary transient at equal values of [Ca]i. The data were analyzed using a mathematical model that accounts for the prolonged oscillatory response, including pH0 and [Ca]i. In conclusion, the activation of the Ca2+ pump is delayed due to slow binding of cellular calmodulin, which is a hysteretic response to a rapid increase of the cellular Ca2+ concentration. This mechanism may be important for generation and execution of transient signals in other types of cell.

Separate, Ca2+-activated K+ and Cl- transport pathways in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells

The net loss of KCl observed in Ehrlich ascites cells during regulatory volume decrease (RVD) following hypotonic exposure involves activation of separate conductive K+ and Cl- transport pathways. RVD is accelerated when a parallel K+ transport pathway is provided by addition of gramicidin, indicating that the K+ conductance is rate limiting. Addition of ionophore A23187 plus Ca2+ also activates separate K+ and Cl- transport pathways, resulting in a hyperpolarization of the cell membrane. A calculation shows that the K+ and Cl- conductance is increased 14- and 10-fold, respectively. Gramicidin fails to accelerate the A23187-induced cell shrinkage, indicating that the Cl- conductance is rate limiting. An A23187-induced activation of 42K and 36Cl tracer fluxes is directly demonstrated. RVD and the A23187-induced cell shrinkage both are: inhibited by quinine which blocks the Ca2+-activated K+ channel, unaffected by substitution of NO-3 or SCN- for Cl-, and inhibited by the anti-calmodulin drug pimozide. When the K+ channel is blocked by quinine but bypassed by addition of gramicidin, the rate of cell shrinkage can be used to monitor the Cl- conductance. The Cl- conductance is increased about 60-fold during RVD. The volume-induced activation of the Cl- transport pathway is transient, with inactivation within about 10 min. The activation induced by ionophore A23187 in Ca2+-free media (probably by release of Ca2+ from internal stores) is also transient, whereas the activation is persistent in Ca2+-containing media. In the latter case, addition of excess EGTA is followed by inactivation of the Cl- transport pathway. These findings suggest that a transient increase in free cytosolic Ca2+ may account for the transient activation of the Cl- transport pathway. The activated anion transport pathway is unselective, carrying both Cl-, Br-, NO-3, and SCN-. The anti-calmodulin drug pimozide blocks the volume- or A23187-induced Cl- transport pathway and also blocks the activation of the K+ transport pathway. This is demonstrated directly by 42K flux experiments and indirectly in media where the dominating anion (SCN-) has a high ground permeability. A comparison of the A23187-induced K+ conductance estimated from 42K flux measurements at high external K+, and from net K+ flux measurements suggests single-file behavior of the Ca2+-activated K+ channel. The number of Ca2+-activated K+ channels is estimated at about 100 per cell.

Effects of noradrenaline, vasopressin and angiotensin on the Na-K pump in rat isolated liver cells

The effects of noradenaline (via alpha 1-adrenoceptors) and of the peptidic hormones vasopressin and angiotensin on the Na-K pump have been studied in rat isolated liver cells. The three hormones increased the cytosolic Ca concentration, stimulated the Na-K pump and decreased the internal Na concentration of the cells. The effects were dose-dependent and were blocked by the corresponding antagonists. The simultaneous addition of maximal doses of noradrenaline and angiotensin or vasopressin were not additive suggesting that the hormones use a common mechanism to stimulate the carrier. Incubating the cells in Ca-free medium for long periods (Ca-depletion) increased the Na-K pump activity and reduced the stimulatory action of vasopressin, angiotensin and noradrenaline. The effect of the Ca indicator quin2, used as an intracellular Ca chelator, was also studied. The cells were loaded with a maximal concentration of [3H]-quin2 acetoxymethyl ester in the presence of external Ca for 6 min. The final cell content was 3.1 nmol quin2 mg-1 cell dry wt. In these cells the cytosolic Ca, as monitored from the fluorescence emission of the indicator, was about 200 nM and Na-K pump activity was normal and the cells remained responsive to the three hormones. Loading the cells with quin2 in the absence of external Ca reduced the [Ca]i from 200 nM to about 40 nM and increased the Na-K pump activity but not as a result of a rise in internal Na concentration. In addition, the rat hepatocytes were no longer sensitive to the hormones. It is proposed that Ca inhibits the Na-K pump by binding the internal sites and that vasopressin, angiotensin and noradrenaline stimulate the carrier by interfering with the inhibitory Ca sites.

Ca2+-activated K+ permeability in human erythrocytes: modulation of single-channel events

Elevated levels of intracellular Ca2+ activate a K+-selective permeability in the membrane of human erythrocytes. Currents through single channels were analysed in excised inside-out membrane patches. The effects of several ions that are known to inhibit K+ fluxes are described with respect to the single-channel events. The results suggest that the blocking ions can partly move into the channels (but cannot penetrate) and interact with other ions inside the pore. The reduction of single-channel conductance by Cs+, tetraethylammonium and Ba2+ and of single-channel activity by quinine and Ba2+ is referred to different rates of access to the channel. The concentration- and voltage-dependent inhibition by ions with measurable permeability (Na+ and Rb+) can be explained by their lower permeability, with single-file movement and ionic interactions inside the pore.

The Ca2+-sensitive K+-conductance of the human red cell membrane is strongly dependent on cellular pH

The conductance of the Ca2+-sensitive K+-channels in human red cell membranes has been determined as a function of the intracellular pH. A sudden increase in the intracellular concentration of ionized calcium was established by addition of ionophore A23187 to a suspension of cells in buffer-free, Ca2+-containing salt solution. At the various cellular pH-values cellular concentrations of ionized Ca, saturating with respect to activation of the Ca2+-sensitive K+-conductance, were obtained by the use of varied concentrations of extracellular Ca2+ and added ionophore A23187. Changes in membrane potential was monitored as CCCP-mediated changes in extracellular pH. Initial net effluxes of K+, cellular K+ contents and the K+ Nernst equilibrium potentials were calculated from flame photometric measurements. Cellular Ca-contents were determined by aid of 45Ca. With cellular Ca2+ at the saturating level with respect to activation of the K+-channel the K+-conductance calculated from these data was independent of extracellular pH and a steep function of cellular pH with a half maximal conductance of 31 microSeconds/cm2 at a cellular pH of 6.1. The K+-conductance is not a simple function of cellular pH (pHc). From pHc = 6.5 and down to pHc = 6.0 a Hill-coefficient of 2.5 was found, indicating cooperativity between at least two sites regulating the conductance. Below pHc = 6.0 an extremely high Hill-coefficient of 11 was found, probably indicating that the additional titration of the channel protein leads to an increased cooperativity. The importance, as a physiological regulatory mechanism, of a K+-conductance increasing from zero to maximal conductance within less than one unit of pH, is discussed.

Specific involvement of calmodulin and non-specific effect of tropomyosin in the sensitivity to ouabain of Na+,K+-ATPase in murine plasmocytoma cells

The Kd for ouabain for inhibition of Na+,K+-ATPase isolated from murine plasmocytoma MOPC 173 cells is 120 microM, but when isolated in the presence of EDTA, it is 100-fold lower (1.2 microM). Simultaneous addition of muscle tropomyosin and calcium to sensitive membranes restored the original insensitivity (tropomyosin bound to the membranes in an irreversible and saturable manner). For comparison 86Rb influx into intact cells, mediated by the Na+,K+-pump, is half-maximally inhibited at 50 microM ouabain. Calcium converts the enzyme to an insensitive form. This appeared to involve calmodulin because after extraction of calmodulin with EDTA and EGTA from sensitive membranes, they could not be made insensitive by the addition of tropomyosin and Ca2+. Addition of exogenous calmodulin to these calmodulin-depleted membranes was required, in addition to tropomyosin and Ca2+, to decrease the ouabain sensitivity. The involvement of calmodulin was further assessed by measuring the range of Ca2+ concentrations required to convert to the insensitive form. At saturating concentrations of tropomyosin, increasing free [Ca2+] up to 3 microM led to an heterogeneous population of Na+,K+-ATPase forms. The calcium dependency was a saturable process. The shift to the insensitive form was half maximal at 0.65 + 0.11 microM free Ca2+ and was abolished by the addition of troponin I or trifluoroperazine (0.1 mM). These results suggest that, in murine plasmocytoma cells, the intrinsic sensitivity of Na+,K+-ATPase to ouabain might be regulated by a calmodulin-dependent process within a submembrane contractile-like environment.

Calcium-dependent fluxes of potassium-42 and chloride-36 during norepinephrine activation of rat aorta

This study was designed to determine whether alpha-receptor-stimulated monovalent ionic fluxes in rat aorta required calcium, and, if so, whether both extracellular calcium and cellularly stored calcium are active. Calcium removal in the presence of 10 mM magnesium (to maintain membrane stability) inhibited the norepinephrine-stimulated increase in potassium-42 and chloride-36 efflux. However, the norepinephrine-stimulated increase in sodium-24 influx was relatively resistant to calcium depletion. Protocols were designed to measure the time course for the changes in potassium-42 efflux and contraction when calcium was removed or replaced in the presence of norepinephrine. The dose-dependent effect of a calcium antagonist (diltiazem) was also measured. A close correlation (r = 0.94) was found between inhibition of contraction and potassium-42 effluxes which followed the regression: % potassium-42 response = 1.0 X (% contraction) + 1.8%). The slope of 1.0 and intercept near zero suggests the hypothesis that norepinephrine-stimulated potassium-42 efflux and contraction are codependent on cellular calcium concentration. This co-dependence held for short phasic responses (approximately 1 minute), as well as longer tonic responses (greater than or equal to 5 minutes). It appears that calcium-dependent potassium-42 effluxes can be supported by both the influx of extracellular calcium and release of cellular stores. It is concluded that calcium-dependent potassium channels (and possibly chloride channels) are operative in rat aorta and are an important component of the graded membrane response to norepinephrine. The sodium channels, however, do not appear to share this same calcium dependency.

The effect of ethanol on the passive Ca permeability of human red cell ghosts measured by means of arsenazo III

Ethanol in the range of 0.76-2.40 M caused an immediate increase in the Ca permeability of the plasma membrane of resealed human red blood cell ghosts in which intracellular free Ca could be continuously monitored by means of the Ca chromophore arsenazo III. At a given concentration of ethanol, the Ca permeability increased markedly a few minutes following the mixing of the ghosts and the ethanol, and continued to increase over at least the next 30 min. Preincubating the ghosts in ethanol for 15, 60 and 120 min before measuring the rate of free Ca accumulation, progressively increased the effect of a given concentration of ethanol. These results indicate that the effect of a given concentration of ethanol is a complex function of concentration and exposure time. The effects of ethanol in this concentration range were completely reversible. The resealed ghosts used in these experiments were depleted of ATP to avoid interference from the Ca pump and all experiments were carried out with 150 mM KCl on both sides of the membrane to minimize changes in either the volume or membrane potential associated with activation of the Ca-dependent K channel.

Sensitivity and reversibility of Ca-dependent inhibition of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase of human red blood cells

The sensitivity of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase to inhibition by Ca was increased 30-fold by a partially purified extract of human red cell hemolysate. The hemolysate fraction reduced the concentration of free Ca required for 50% inhibition from 30 microM to approx. 1 microM. Ca-dependent inhibition of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase in the presence and absence of the hemolysate fraction was completely reversible. The hemolysate fraction also stimulated the Ca2+-ATPase and increased its affinity for Ca. In the presence of the hemolysate fraction, the concentration of free Ca that inhibited the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase by 50% was similar to that which half-maximally stimulated the Ca2+-ATPase. Boiling the fraction destoryed its effect on the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase, but did not impair its stimulation of the Ca2+-ATPase.

Single-file diffusion through the Ca2+-activated K+ channel of human red cells

The ratio between the unidirectional fluxes through the Ca2+-activated K+-specific ion channel of the human red cell membrane has been determined as a function of the driving force (Vm-EK). Net effluxes and 42K influxes were determined during an initial period of approximately 90 sec on cells which had been depleted of ATP and loaded with Ca. The cells were suspended in buffer-free salt solutions in the presence of 20 microM of the protonophore CCCP, monitoring in this way changes in membrane potential as changes in extracellular pH. (Vm-EK) was varied at constant EK by varying the Nernst potential and the conductance of the anion and the conductance of the potassium ion. In another series of experiments EK was varied by suspending cells in salt solutions with different K+ concentrations. At high extracellular K+ concentrations both of the unidirectional fluxes were determined as 42K in- and effluxes in pairs of parallel experiments. Within a range of (Vm-EK) of -6 to 90 mV the ratio between the unidirectional fluxes deviated strongly from the values predicted by Ussing's flux ratio equation. The Ca2+-activated K+ channel of the human red cell membrane showed single-file diffusion with a flux ratio exponent n of 2.7. The magnitude of n was independent of the driving force (Vm-EK), independent of Vm and independent of the conductance gK.

Effects of the anion transport inhibitor, SITS, on the proximal straight tubule of the rabbit perfused in vitro

Conventional microelectrodes were used to study the effects of SITS (4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate) on the basolateral membrane potential Vbl of the superficial proximal straight tubule (PST) of the rabbit kidney perfused in vitro. Addition of 0.1 mM SITS to the bathing solution resulted in a slow and irreversible hyperpolarization of Vbl from -42.5 +/- 1.17 (37) mV to -77.3 +/- 0.83 (52) mV. The new steady-state potential was reached in 10 to 15 min and was accompanied by visible cell swelling. Associated with this Vbl hyperpolarization was: 1) an increased steady-state depolarization (from 6.2 +/- 0.77 (17) mV to 25.7 +/- 0.83 (29) mV) in response to increasing bath potassium concentration from 5 to 16.7 mM (HK); 2) a decreased transient depolarization (from 19.8 +/- 1.88 (8) mV to 0.43 +/- 0.37 (8) mV) in response to decreasing bath bicarbonate concentration from 22 to 6.6 mM at constant bath pH (L-HCO3); and 3) inhibition of a depolarizing overshoot and a decreased steady-state depolarization (from 35.9 +/- 1.84 (12) mV to 4.7 +/- 1.37 (13) mV) in response to reducing bath sodium concentration from 144 to zero (0-Na). Sodium, chloride and NMDG (N-methyl-D-glucamine) were used as the substituting ions, respectively. These results are consistent with the presence of a coupled sodium-bicarbonate carrier in the basolateral membrane which is electrogenic and SITS inhibitable.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Rainbow trout red cells in vitro

Washed rainbow trout erythrocytes incubated at 14 degrees C in Eagle's minimal essential medium and Cortland saline displayed sharp reductions in volume and water content, nucleoside triphosphate, K+ and Cl- concentrations. Mg2+ and, to a lesser extent, Na+ concentrations increased. Cellular to medium Cl- ratios were indicative of membrane hyperpolarization. Morphological irregularities were also observed. Oxygen consumption and hemoglobin system organization were not grossly affected. Supplementation with pyruvate stabilized nucleoside triphosphate concentrations for at least 24 hr, and reduced rates of volume and compositional change to some extent. Addition of norepinephrine at physiologically realistic levels led to stabilization of Cl- content and reductions in Mg2+ accumulation and water loss. Transient but modest increases in K+ and Ca2+ were coupled, under these circumstances, with some decrease in Na+ concentration. Factors which may contribute to the dysfunctional status of these cells in vitro are discussed.

Regulation of Na+,K+-ATPase activity in MDCK kidney epithelial cell cultures: role of growth state, cyclic AMP, and chemical inducers of dome formation and differentiation

Na+,K+-ATPase activity was monitored in MDCK kidney epithelial cell monolayers and in cell extracts as a function of cell density, cAMP elevation, and exposure to hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA) and dimethylsulfoxide (Me2SO). Ouabain-sensitive Na+,K+-ATPase and 86Rb+ uptake activities, and the number of [3H]-ouabain binding sites were maximal in subconfluent cultures and decreased accompanying the development of a confluent monolayer. A sodium pump density of 8 X 10(7) pumps/cell was estimated for subconfluent cultures, declining to 9 X 10(5) pumps/cell at confluence. Previous studies have shown that dibutyryl cyclic AMP (Bt2cAMP), 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine (IBMX), or the differentiation inducers HMBA and Me2SO, which also caused cAMP elevation, all stimulated dome formation, a visible manifestation of active transepithelial Na+ and water transport (Lever, 1979). In the present study, all of these inducers were found to elevate intracellular Na+ content, implicating this variable in control of induction of dome formation. Operationally, inducers could be divided into two classes. HMBA and Me2SO partially inhibited ouabain-sensitive 86Rb+ influx. Ouabain, at a concentration that caused partial sodium pump inhibition and increased intracellular Na+ content, was also effective as an inducer. The second class, exemplified by IBMX and Bt2cAMP caused a furosemide-sensitive increase in intracellular Na+ content. This class of inducers stimulated ouabain-sensitive 86Rb+ uptake, presumably by substrate effects due to increased Na+ levels. The Na+ or ATP activation of Na+,K+-ATPase activity assayed in cell-free extracts, the affinity of the transport system for Rb+ in intact cells and intracellular ATP levels were unchanged by inducer treatment. Elevation of intracellular Na+ concentration, either by cAMP-stimulated, furosemide-sensitive mechanisms or by partial inhibition of the sodium pump may stimulate the induction of dome formation in MDCK cells.

Ca2+-activated K+ channels in human red cells. Comparison of single-channel currents with ion fluxes

Exposure of the inner surface of intact red cells or red cell ghosts to Ca2+ evokes unitary currents that can be measured in cell-attached and cell-free membrane patches. The currents are preferentially carried by K+ (PK/PNa 17) and show rectification. Increasing the Ca2+ concentration from 0 to 5 microM increases the probability of the open state of the channels parallel to the change of K+ permeability as observed in suspensions of red cell ghosts. Prolonged incubation of red cell ghosts in the absence of external K+ prevents the Ca2+ from increasing K+ permeability. Similarly, the probability to find Ca2+-activated unitary currents in membrane patches is drastically reduced. These observations suggest that the Ca2+-induced changes of K+ permeability observed in red cell suspensions are causally related to the appearance of the unitary K+ currents. Attempts to determine the number of K+ channels per cell were made by comparing fluxes measured in suspensions of red cells with the unitary currents in membrane patches as determined under comparable ionic conditions. At 100 mM KCl in the external medium, where no net movements of K+ occur, the time course of equilibration of 86Rb+ does not follow a single exponential. This indicates a heterogeneity of the response to Ca2+ of the cells in the population. The data are compatible with the assumption that 25% of the cells respond with Pk = 33.2 X 10(-14)cm3/s and 75% with Pk = 3.1 X 10(-14)cm3/s. At 100 mM external K+ the zero current permeability of a single channel is 6.1 X 10(-14)cm3/s (corresponding to a conductance of 22 pS). Using appropriate values for the probability of a channel in the open state, we estimated that 25% of the cells in the population contain 11-55, and 75% of the cells 1-5 channels per cell that are activated in the time average (20 degrees C, pH 7.6).

Passive Ca transport in human red blood cell ghosts measured with entrapped arsenazo III

The rate of Ca influx into ghosts containing arsenazo III changes with time, being most rapid during the first 5 min after Ca is added to the outside and declining thereafter. The rate of Ca influx is a nonlinear function of extracellular Ca and plateaus as the latter is increased above 1 mM. The rate of Ca influx was measured as a function of the transmembrane gradients of Na and K and changes in the permeability of the membrane to K and Cl produced by valinomycin and SITS (4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyano-stilbene-2-2'-disulfonic acid), respectively. Changes in the rate of Ca influx are consistent with expected effects of these treatments on the membrane potential. Oligomycin (10 micrograms/ml) and quinidine (1 mM) inhibit the rate of Ca uptake by inhibiting Ca-induced changes in the K permeability. At constant membrane potential, furosemide produced a slight (15%) consistent increase in Ca uptake. Other experiments show that resealed ghosts are heterogeneous in their passive permeability to Ca and that A23187 can be used to effectively eliminate such differences. The results of this paper show that resealed human red cell ghosts containing arsenazo III can be used to continuously monitor intracellular free Ca and to study the factors that influence the permeability of the red cell membrane to Ca.