Chloride-dependent cation conductance activated during cellular shrinkage

Cell death induction and protection by activation of ubiquitously expressed anion/cation channels. Part 3: the roles and properties of TRPM2 and TRPM7

Cell volume regulation (CVR) is a prerequisite for animal cells to survive and fulfill their functions. CVR dysfunction is essentially involved in the induction of cell death. In fact, sustained normotonic cell swelling and shrinkage are associated with necrosis and apoptosis, and thus called the necrotic volume increase (NVI) and the apoptotic volume decrease (AVD), respectively. Since a number of ubiquitously expressed ion channels are involved in the CVR processes, these volume-regulatory ion channels are also implicated in the NVI and AVD events. In Part 1 and Part 2 of this series of review articles, we described the roles of swelling-activated anion channels called VSOR or VRAC and acid-activated anion channels called ASOR or PAC in CVR and cell death processes. Here, Part 3 focuses on therein roles of Ca2+-permeable non-selective TRPM2 and TRPM7 cation channels activated by stress. First, we summarize their phenotypic properties and molecular structure. Second, we describe their roles in CVR. Since cell death induction is tightly coupled to dysfunction of CVR, third, we focus on their participation in the induction of or protection against cell death under oxidative, acidotoxic, excitotoxic, and ischemic conditions. In this regard, we pay attention to the sensitivity of TRPM2 and TRPM7 to a variety of stress as well as to their capability to physicall and functionally interact with other volume-related channels and membrane enzymes. Also, we summarize a large number of reports hitherto published in which TRPM2 and TRPM7 channels are shown to be involved in cell death associated with a variety of diseases or disorders, in some cases as double-edged swords. Lastly, we attempt to describe how TRPM2 and TRPM7 are organized in the ionic mechanisms leading to cell death induction and protection.

Mechanical stretch increases Kv1.5 current through an interaction between the S1-S2 linker and N-terminus of the channel

The voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.5 plays important roles in atrial repolarization and regulation of vascular tone. In the present study, we investigated the effects of mechanical stretch on Kv1.5 channels. We induced mechanical stretch by centrifuging or culturing Kv1.5-expressing HEK 293 cells and neonatal rat ventricular myocytes in low osmolarity (LO) medium and then recorded Kv1.5 current (I_Kv1.5) in a normal, isotonic solution. We observed that mechanical stretch increased I_Kv1.5, and this increase required the intact, long, proline-rich extracellular S1-S2 linker of the Kv1.5 channel. The low osmolarity-induced I_Kv1.5 increase also required an intact intracellular N terminus, which contains the binding motif for endogenous Src tyrosine kinase that constitutively inhibits I_Kv1.5 Disrupting the Src-binding motif of Kv1.5 through N-terminal truncation or mutagenesis abolished the mechanical stretch-mediated increase in I_Kv1.5 Our results further showed that the extracellular S1-S2 linker of Kv1.5 communicates with the intracellular N terminus. Although the S1-S2 linker of WT Kv1.5 could be cleaved by extracellularly applied proteinase K (PK), an N-terminal truncation up to amino acid residue 209 altered the conformation of the S1-S2 linker and made it no longer susceptible to proteinase K-mediated cleavage. In summary, the findings of our study indicate that the S1-S2 linker of Kv1.5 represents a mechanosensor that regulates the activity of this channel. By targeting the S1-S2 linker, mechanical stretch may induce a change in the N-terminal conformation of Kv1.5 that relieves Src-mediated tonic channel inhibition and results in an increase in I_Kv1.5.

Rationally optimized cryopreservation of multiple mouse embryonic stem cell lines: I--Comparative fundamental cryobiology of multiple mouse embryonic stem cell lines and the implications for embryonic stem cell cryopreservation protocols

The post-thaw recovery of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) is often assumed to be adequate with current methods. However as this publication will show, this recovery of viable cells actually varies significantly by genetic background. Therefore there is a need to improve the efficiency and reduce the variability of current mESC cryopreservation methods. To address this need, we employed the principles of fundamental cryobiology to improve the cryopreservation protocol of four mESC lines from different genetic backgrounds (BALB/c, CBA, FVB, and 129R1 mESCs) through a comparative study characterizing the membrane permeability characteristics and membrane integrity osmotic tolerance limits of each cell line. In the companion paper, these values were used to predict optimal cryoprotectants, cooling rates, warming rates, and plunge temperatures, and then these predicted optimal protocols were validated against standard freezing protocols.

Physiology of cell volume regulation in vertebrates

The ability to control cell volume is pivotal for cell function. Cell volume perturbation elicits a wide array of signaling events, leading to protective (e.g., cytoskeletal rearrangement) and adaptive (e.g., altered expression of osmolyte transporters and heat shock proteins) measures and, in most cases, activation of volume regulatory osmolyte transport. After acute swelling, cell volume is regulated by the process of regulatory volume decrease (RVD), which involves the activation of KCl cotransport and of channels mediating K(+), Cl(-), and taurine efflux. Conversely, after acute shrinkage, cell volume is regulated by the process of regulatory volume increase (RVI), which is mediated primarily by Na(+)/H(+) exchange, Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransport, and Na(+) channels. Here, we review in detail the current knowledge regarding the molecular identity of these transport pathways and their regulation by, e.g., membrane deformation, ionic strength, Ca(2+), protein kinases and phosphatases, cytoskeletal elements, GTP binding proteins, lipid mediators, and reactive oxygen species, upon changes in cell volume. We also discuss the nature of the upstream elements in volume sensing in vertebrate organisms. Importantly, cell volume impacts on a wide array of physiological processes, including transepithelial transport; cell migration, proliferation, and death; and changes in cell volume function as specific signals regulating these processes. A discussion of this issue concludes the review.

An improved cryopreservation method for a mouse embryonic stem cell line

Embryonic stem (ES) cell lines including the C57BL/6 genetic background are central to projects such as the Knock-Out Mouse Project, North American Conditional Mouse Mutagenesis Program, and European Conditional Mouse Mutagenesis Program, which seek to create thousands of mutant mouse strains using ES cells for the production of human disease models in biomedical research. Crucial to the success of these programs is the ability to efficiently cryopreserve these mutant cell lines for storage and transport. Although the ability to successfully cryopreserve mouse ES cells is often assumed to be adequate, the percent post-thaw recovery of viable cells varies greatly among genetic backgrounds and individual cell lines within a genetic background. Therefore, there is a need to improve the efficiency and reduce the variability of current mouse ES cell cryopreservation methods. To address this need, we employed the principles of fundamental cryobiology to improve the cryopreservation protocol of a C57BL/6 mouse ES cell line by characterizing the membrane permeability characteristics and osmotic tolerance limits. These values were used to predict optimal cooling rates, warming rates, and type of cryoprotectant, which were then verified experimentally. The resulting protocol, generated through this hypothesis-driven approach, resulted in a 2-fold increase in percent post-thaw recovery of membrane-intact ES cells as compared to the standard freezing protocol, as measured by propidium iodide exclusion. Additionally, our fundamental cryobiological approach to improving cryopreservation protocols provides a model system by which additional cryopreservation protocols may be improved in future research for both mouse and human ES cell lines.

(Patho)physiological significance of the serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase isoforms

The serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase-1 (SGK1) is ubiquitously expressed and under genomic control by cell stress (including cell shrinkage) and hormones (including gluco- and mineralocorticoids). Similar to its isoforms SGK2 and SGK3, SGK1 is activated by insulin and growth factors via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and the 3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase PDK1. SGKs activate ion channels (e.g., ENaC, TRPV5, ROMK, Kv1.3, KCNE1/KCNQ1, GluR1, GluR6), carriers (e.g., NHE3, GLUT1, SGLT1, EAAT1-5), and the Na+-K+-ATPase. They regulate the activity of enzymes (e.g., glycogen synthase kinase-3, ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-2, phosphomannose mutase-2) and transcription factors (e.g., forkhead transcription factor FKHRL1, beta-catenin, nuclear factor kappaB). SGKs participate in the regulation of transport, hormone release, neuroexcitability, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. SGK1 contributes to Na+ retention and K+ elimination of the kidney, mineralocorticoid stimulation of salt appetite, glucocorticoid stimulation of intestinal Na+/H+ exchanger and nutrient transport, insulin-dependent salt sensitivity of blood pressure and salt sensitivity of peripheral glucose uptake, memory consolidation, and cardiac repolarization. A common ( approximately 5% prevalence) SGK1 gene variant is associated with increased blood pressure and body weight. SGK1 may thus contribute to metabolic syndrome. SGK1 may further participate in tumor growth, neurodegeneration, fibrosing disease, and the sequelae of ischemia. SGK3 is required for adequate hair growth and maintenance of intestinal nutrient transport and influences locomotive behavior. In conclusion, the SGKs cover a wide variety of physiological functions and may play an active role in a multitude of pathophysiological conditions. There is little doubt that further targets will be identified that are modulated by the SGK isoforms and that further SGK-dependent in vivo physiological functions and pathophysiological conditions will be defined.

Hypertonicity-induced cation channels

Whenever studied in a quantitative fashion, hypertonicity-induced cation channels (HICCs) are found to be the main mediators of regulatory volume increase. In most instances, these channels are either inhibited by amiloride (but insensitive to Gd3+ and flufenamate) or they are efficiently blocked by Gd3+ and flufenamate (but insensitive to amiloride). Of note, however, from two preparations so far a mixed type of pharmacology has also been reported. Whereas the ion selectivity of amiloride-sensitive HICCs has not been studied in much detail yet, amiloride-insensitive channels are either equally permeable to Na+, K+, Cs+ and Li+ but impermeable to N-methyl-D-glucamine (NMDG+) or they exhibit a permeability to Li+ and NMDG+ that amounts to some 50% when compared with that of Na+. Also in this respect, however, some peculiarities do exist. Concerning the actual molecular correlate, evidence was reported that HICCs may be related to the (amiloride-sensitive) epithelial Na+ channel and/or to transient receptor potential channels. Recent findings suggest that HICCs may contribute to cell proliferation, just as the K+ channels that are employed in regulatory volume decrease are mediators of the opposing process, i.e. apoptosis.

Regulation of caspase 9 through phosphorylation by protein kinase C zeta in response to hyperosmotic stress

Caspase 9 is a critical component of the mitochondrial or intrinsic apoptotic pathway and is activated by Apaf-1 following release of cytochrome c from mitochondria in response to a variety of stimuli. Caspase 9 cleaves and activates effector caspases, mainly caspase 3, leading to the demise of the cell. Survival signaling pathways can impinge on this pathway to restrain apoptosis. Here, we have identified Ser144 of human caspase 9as an inhibitory site that is phosphorylated in a cell-free system and in cells in response to the protein phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid. Inhibitor sensitivity and interactions with caspase 9 indicate that the predominant kinase that targets Ser144 is the atypical protein kinase C isoform zeta (PKCzeta). Prevention of Ser144 phosphorylation by inhibition of PKCzeta or mutation of caspase 9 promotes caspase 3 activation. Phosphorylation of serine 144 in cells is also induced by hyperosmotic stress, which activates PKCzeta and regulates its interaction with caspase 9, but not by growth factors, phorbol ester, or other cellular stresses. These results indicate that phosphorylation and inhibition of caspase 9 by PKCzeta restrain the intrinsic apoptotic pathway during hyperosmotic stress. This work provides further evidence that caspase 9 acts as a focal point for multiple protein kinase signaling pathways that regulate apoptosis.

A novel hypertonicity-induced cation channel in primary cultures of human hepatocytes

In whole-cell recordings on primary cultures of human hepatocytes, we observe the hypertonic activation of a novel type of cation channel with a permeability ratio for Na(+):Li(+):K(+):Cs(+):NMDG(+) of 1:1.2:1.3:1.2:0.6. With a P(Ca)/P(Na) of 0.7 the channel is also clearly permeable to Ca(++). Most likely, the channel is Cl(-) impermeable but its activity critically depends on the extracellular Cl(-) concentration (with the half maximal effect at 88 mmol/l). With a 64% inhibition by amiloride and a complete block by flufenamate and Gd(3+) (at 100 micromol/l each), the channel may represent a molecular link between the amiloride-sensitive and insensitive channels reported so far.

Cell volume regulation: osmolytes, osmolyte transport, and signal transduction

In recent years, it has become evident that the volume of a given cell is an important factor not only in defining its intracellular osmolality and its shape, but also in defining other cellular functions, such as transepithelial transport, cell migration, cell growth, cell death, and the regulation of intracellular metabolism. In addition, besides inorganic osmolytes, the existence of organic osmolytes in cells has been discovered. Osmolyte transport systems-channels and carriers alike-have been identified and characterized at a molecular level and also, to a certain extent, the intracellular signals regulating osmolyte movements across the plasma membrane. The current review reflects these developments and focuses on the contributions of inorganic and organic osmolytes and their transport systems in regulatory volume increase (RVI) and regulatory volume decrease (RVD) in a variety of cells. Furthermore, the current knowledge on signal transduction in volume regulation is compiled, revealing an astonishing diversity in transport systems, as well as of regulatory signals. The information available indicates the existence of intricate spatial and temporal networks that control cell volume and that we are just beginning to be able to investigate and to understand.

The voltage-dependent nonselective cation current in human red blood cells studied by means of whole-cell and nystatin-perforated patch-clamp techniques

Human red blood cells (RBC) can be studied by means of whole-cell and nystatin-perforated patch-clamp techniques. In 85% of the whole-cell experiments (n=86) and 69% of the perforated-patch recordings (n=13), steps to positive potentials, from a holding potential of 0 mV, induced a slow-activating non-inactivating persistent outward current which reverted at about 0 mV. The current activation phase fitted well with a two-component exponential curve. Half-maximal conductance was reached at about 42 mV. Na+ and K+ carried this current, which was not affected by 20 nM charybdotoxin or 20 mM TEA, but was reduced following a partial substitution of extracellular Cl- by tartrate. This current has characteristics similar to the single-channel currents already described in RBC and may be involved in the rapid adaptations of these cells in the circulation.

Water transport in the brain: Role of cotransporters

It is generally accepted that cotransporters transport water in addition to their normal substrates, although the precise mechanism is debated; both active and passive modes of transport have been suggested. The magnitude of the water flux mediated by cotransporters may well be significant: both the number of cotransporters per cell and the unit water permeability are high. For example, the Na(+)-glutamate cotransporter (EAAT1) has a unit water permeability one tenth of that of aquaporin (AQP) 1. Cotransporters are widely distributed in the brain and participate in several vital functions: inorganic ions are transported by K(+)-Cl(-) and Na(+)-K(+)-Cl(-) cotransporters, neurotransmitters are reabsorbed from the synaptic cleft by Na(+)-dependent cotransporters located on glial cells and neurons, and metabolites such as lactate are removed from the extracellular space by means of H(+)-lactate cotransporters. We have previously determined water transport capacities for these cotransporters in model systems (Xenopus oocytes, cell cultures, and in vitro preparations), and will discuss their role in water homeostasis of the astroglial cell under both normo- and pathophysiologal situations. Astroglia is a polarized cell with EAAT localized at the end facing the neuropil while the end abutting the circulation is rich in AQP4. The water transport properties of EAAT suggest a new model for volume homeostasis of the extracellular space during neural activity.

Hypertonic activation of a non-selective cation conductance in HeLa cells and its contribution to cell volume regulation

In whole-cell recordings on single HeLa cells, the hypertonic activation of a cation conductance with a selectivity ratio P(Na):P(Li):P(K):P(Cs):P(NMDG):P(Ca):P(Cl) of 1.00:0.86:0.84:0.56:0.10:0.07:0.15 was observed. This (non-selective) cation conductance was reduced to 59 and 30% of maximal stimulation by Gd(3+) and flufenamate, respectively, but it was insensitive to amiloride (with each compound applied at 100 microm/l). As was determined by the Coulter counter technique, the cation conductance was the main mechanism of regulatory volume increase (RVI) in HeLa cells. Whereas a significant contribution of Na(+)/H(+) antiport was also detectable, Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) symport most likely did not contribute to RVI.

A hypertonicity-activated nonselective conductance in single proximal tubule cells isolated from mouse kidney

The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to examine nonselective conductances in single proximal tubule cells isolated from mouse kidney. Single cells were isolated in either the presence or absence of a cocktail designed to stimulate cAMP. Patches were obtained with Na+ Ringer in the bath and Cs+ Ringer in the pipette. On initially achieving the whole-cell configuration, whole-cell currents were small. In cAMP-stimulated cells, with 5 mM ATP in the pipette solution, whole-cell currents increased with time. The activated current was linear, slightly cation-selective, did not discriminate between Na+ and K+ and was inhibited by 100 microM gadolinium. These properties are consistent with the activation of a nonselective conductance, designated G(NS). Activation of G(NS) was abolished with pipette AMP-PNP, ATP plus alkaline phosphatase or in the absence of ATP. In unstimulated cells G(NS) was activated by pipette ATP together with PKA. These data support the hypothesis that G(NS) is activated by a PKA-mediated phosphorylation event. G(NS) was also activated by a hypertonic shock. However, G(NS) does not appear to be involved in regulatory volume increase (RVI), as RVI was unaffected in the presence of the G(NS) blocker gadolinium. Instead, the ATP sensitivity of G(NS) suggests that it may be regulated by the metabolic state of the renal proximal tubule cell.

A cell shrinkage-induced non-selective cation conductance with a novel pharmacology in Ehrlich-Lettre-ascites tumour cells

In whole-cell recordings on Ehrlich-Lettre-ascites tumour (ELA) cells, the shrinkage-induced activation of a cation conductance with a selectivity ratio P(Na):P(Li):P(K):P(choline):P(NMDG) of 1.00:0.97:0.88:0.03:0.01 was observed. In order of potency, this conductance was blocked by Gd(3+)=benzamil>amiloride>ethyl-isopropyl-amiloride (EIPA). In patch-clamp studies using the cell-attached configuration, a 14 pS channel became detectable that was reversibly activated upon hypertonic cell shrinkage. It is concluded that ELA cells express a shrinkage-induced cation channel that may reflect a molecular link between amiloride-sensitive and -insensitive channels. In addition, because of its pharmacological profile, it may possibly be related to epithelial Na+ channels (ENaCs).

Osmotic shrinkage of human cervical cancer cells induces an extracellular Cl- -dependent nonselective cation channel, which requires p38 MAPK

This study is to integrate a functional role of nonselective cation (NSC) channels into a model of volume regulation on osmotic shrinkage for human cervical cancer cells. Application of a hypertonic solution (400 mosm kg(-1)) induced cell shrinkage, which was accompanied by a 7-fold increase of inward currents at -80 mV from -4.1 +/- 0.4 pA pF(-1) to -29 +/- 1.1 pA pF(-1) (n = 36, p < 0.001). There is a good correlation of channel activity and cell volume changes. Replacement of bath Na(+) by K(+), Cs(+), Li(+), or Rb(+) did not affect the stimulated inward current significantly, but replacement by Ca(2+), Ba(2+), or the impermeable cation N-methyl-d-glucamine abolished the inward current; this demonstrates that the shrinkage-induced currents discriminate poorly between monovalent cations but are not carried by divalent cations. Replacement of extracellular Cl(-) by gluconate abolished the shrinkage-induced currents in a concentration-dependent manner without changing the reversal potential. Gadolinium (Gd(3+)) inhibited the stimulated current, whereas bumetanide and amiloride had no inhibitory effect. Cell shrinkage triggered mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascades leading to the activation of MAP/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) kinase (MEK1/2), and p38 kinase. Interference with p38 MAPK by either the specific inhibitor (SB202190), or a dominant-negative mutant profoundly suppressed the activation of the shrinkage-induced NSC channels. In contrast, the regulatory mechanism of shrinkage-induced NSC channels was independent of the volume-responsive MEK1/2 signaling pathway. More importantly, the cell volume response to hypertonicity was inhibited significantly in p38 dominant-negative mutant or by SB202190. Therefore, p38 MAPK is critically involved in the activation of a shrinkage-induced NSC channel, which plays an important role in the volume regulation of human cervical cancer cells.

Role of JNK in hypertonic activation of Cl(-)-dependent Na(+)/H(+) exchange in Xenopus oocytes

In the course of studying the hypertonicity-activated ion transporters in Xenopus oocytes, we found that activation of endogenous oocyte Na(+)/H(+) exchange activity (xoNHE) by hypertonic shrinkage required Cl(-), with an EC(50) for bath [Cl(-)] of approximately 3mM. This requirement for chloride was not supported by several nonhalide anions and was not shared by xoNHE activated by acid loading. Hypertonicity-activated xoNHE exhibited an unusual rank order of inhibitory potency among amiloride derivatives and was blocked by Cl(-) transport inhibitors. Chelation of intracellular Ca(2+) by injection of EGTA blocked hypertonic activation of xoNHE, although many inhibitors of Ca(2+)-related signaling pathways were without inhibitory effect. Hypertonicity activated oocyte extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), but inhibitors of neither ERK1/2 nor p38 prevented hypertonic activation of xoNHE. However, hypertonicity also stimulated a Cl(-)-dependent increase in c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) activity. Inhibition of JNK activity prevented hypertonic activation of xoNHE but not activation by acid loading. We conclude that hypertonic activation of Na(+)/H(+) exchange in Xenopus oocytes requires Cl(-) and is mediated by activation of JNK.

Regulation of an amiloride-sensitive Na+-permeable channel by a beta2-adrenergic agonist, cytosolic Ca2+ and Cl- in fetal rat alveolar epithelium

1. In cell-attached patches formed on the apical membrane of fetal alveolar epithelium, terbutaline (a specific beta2-adrenergic agonist) increased the open probability (Po) of an amiloride-sensitive Na+-permeable non-selective cation (NSC) channel (control, 0.03 +/- 0.04; terbutaline, 0.62 +/- 0.18; n = 8, P < 0. 00001) by increasing the mean open time 100-fold without any significant change in the mean closed time and without any change in the single channel conductance (control, 27.8 +/- 2.3 pS; terbutaline, 28.2 +/- 2.1 pS; n = 8). 2. The Po of the unstimulated channel increased when the apical membrane was depolarized due to a decrease in the closing rate and an increase in the opening rate, while the Po of the terbutaline-stimulated channel did not depend on the membrane potential. 3. Increased cytosolic [Ca2+] also increased the Po of the channel in a manner consistent with one Ca2+-binding site on the cytosolic surface of the channel. Terbutaline increased the sensitivity of the channel to cytosolic Ca2+ by shifting the concentration of cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]c) required for half-maximal activation to a lower [Ca2+]c value, leading to an increase in Po. 4. An increase in the cytosolic Cl- concentration ([Cl-]c) decreased the Po of the channel consistent with two Cl--binding sites by increasing the closing rate without any significant change in the opening rate. Terbutaline increased Po by reducing the effect of cytosolic Cl- to promote channel closing. 5. Taken together, these observations indicate that terbutaline activates a Ca2+-activated, Cl--inhibitable, amiloride-sensitive, Na+-permeable NSC channel in fetal rat alveolar epithelium in two ways: first, through an increase in Ca2+ sensitivity, and second, through a reduction in the effect of cytosolic Cl- to promote channel closing.

Functional significance of cell volume regulatory mechanisms

To survive, cells have to avoid excessive alterations of cell volume that jeopardize structural integrity and constancy of intracellular milieu. The function of cellular proteins seems specifically sensitive to dilution and concentration, determining the extent of macromolecular crowding. Even at constant extracellular osmolarity, volume constancy of any mammalian cell is permanently challenged by transport of osmotically active substances across the cell membrane and formation or disappearance of cellular osmolarity by metabolism. Thus cell volume constancy requires the continued operation of cell volume regulatory mechanisms, including ion transport across the cell membrane as well as accumulation or disposal of organic osmolytes and metabolites. The various cell volume regulatory mechanisms are triggered by a multitude of intracellular signaling events including alterations of cell membrane potential and of intracellular ion composition, various second messenger cascades, phosphorylation of diverse target proteins, and altered gene expression. Hormones and mediators have been shown to exploit the volume regulatory machinery to exert their effects. Thus cell volume may be considered a second message in the transmission of hormonal signals. Accordingly, alterations of cell volume and volume regulatory mechanisms participate in a wide variety of cellular functions including epithelial transport, metabolism, excitation, hormone release, migration, cell proliferation, and cell death.

Osmotic characteristics of isolated human and canine pancreatic islets

Cryopreservation protocols for pancreatic islets may be optimized by modeling the changes in volume that occur during cryoprotectant addition/dilution and cooling/warming. Modeling may be facilitated if it can be demonstrated that isolated islets behave as ideal osmometers where the equilibrium volume is a linear function of the reciprocal of the osmolality of the extracellular medium (the Boyle van't Hoff relationship). The present study was performed to test the hypotheses that: (i) human and canine islets exhibit a linear osmotic response during exposure to hypo-, iso-, and hyperosmotic solutions and to determine the human and canine islets osmotically inactive fraction (Vbp); (ii) to determine if the ionic properties of a concentrated electrolyte solution have an effect on the osmotic response; and (iii) to determine if the osmotic response of pancreatic islets varies between species (human and canine). Islets were isolated from four human and four canine pancreases using standard collagenase digestion and EuroFicoll purification. After 12 h incubation at 37 degrees C, islets (n = 4 from each isolation) were exposed to varying salt or sucrose concentrations (75-1200 mOsm/kg). Islets were held by a micropipette system attached to an inverted microscope, and solutions were exchanged while videotaping. An imaging system was used to determine the cross-sectional area of the islet which was then used to estimate the spherical volume. The results of linear regression analysis indicated that both human and canine islets respond ideally to osmotic conditions within a range of 150-1200 mOsm/kg in both the electrolyte (salt) and the nonelectrolyte (sucrose) solutions. The Vbp value (mean +/- SD) of the four donors was 0.513 +/- 0.068 for canine islets in sucrose solutions, 0.474 +/- 0.068 for canine islets in salt solutions, 0. 425 +/- 0.073 for human islets in sucrose solutions, and 0.39 +/- 0. 073 for human islets in salt solutions. There was a significant difference between human and canine islets (P < 0.05) but not between experimental solutes (NaCl or sucrose) (P < 0.05). These data may be used in conjunction with osmotic tolerance data to develop improved methods for the cryopreservation of isolated islets.

Novel activation stimulus of chloride channels by potassium in human osteoblasts and human leukaemic T lymphocytes

1. The whole-cell recording mode of the patch-clamp technique was used to study the effect of extracellular K+ and Rb+ on membrane currents in human osteoblasts, in a human osteoblast-like cell line, and in the Jurkat human leukaemic T cell line. 2. Increasing the extracellular concentration of K+ increased the membrane conductance of the cells in a concentration-dependent manner. This increase in membrane conductance was due to the activation of a Cl- conductance. Rb+ also induced this conductance, but conductance was less than half that seen in K+. 3. The Cl- channel blockers 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (DIDS) and 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene 2,2'-disulphonic acid (SITS) blocked the K(+)-induced Cl- current in a voltage-dependent manner. The degree of blockade increased with membrane depolarization to a maximum level at 40 mV. At potentials above this value the block appeared to decrease. 4. Both tonicity and K+ were required for maximal activation of the Cl- conductance since the K(+)-induced Cl- conductance could be inhibited by hypertonic solutions and the activation of a volume-sensitive Cl- conductance by hypotonic solutions could be enhanced by extracellular K+. 5. We conclude that an outwardly rectifying Cl- conductance can be activated either upon osmotic swelling or by an increase in extracellular K+. Both activation pathways may be involved in cell volume regulation and seem to apply to volume-sensitive Cl- channels in general since we observe this phenomenon in two different cell types, in human osteoblasts as well as in human leukaemic T lymphocytes.

Inositol 3,4,5,6-tetrakisphosphate inhibits the calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II-activated chloride conductance in T84 colonic epithelial cells

The mechanism by which inositol 3,4,5,6-tetrakisphosphate (Ins(3,4,5, 6)P4) regulates chloride (Cl-) secretion was evaluated in the colonic epithelial cell line T84 using whole cell voltage clamp techniques. Our studies focused on the calcium-dependent chloride conductance (gClCa) that was activated either by mobilizing intracellular calcium (Cai) stores with thapsigargin or by introduction of the autonomous, autophosphorylated calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) into the cell via the patch pipette. Basal concentrations of Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 (1 microM) present in the pipette solution had no significant effect on Cl- current; however, as the concentration of the polyphosphate was increased there was a corresponding reduction in anion current, with near complete inhibition at 8-10 microM Ins(3,4,5,6)P4. Corresponding levels are found in cells after sustained receptor-dependent activation of phospholipase C. The Ins(3,4,5, 6)P4-induced inhibition of gClCa was isomer specific; neither Ins(1, 3,4,5)P4, Ins(1,3,4,6)P4, Ins(1,4,5,6)P4, nor Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5 induced current inhibition at concentrations of up to 100 microM. Annexin IV also plays an inhibitory role in modulating gClCa in T84 cells. When 2 microM annexin IV was present in the pipette solution, a concentration that by itself has no effect on gClCa, the potency of Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 was approximately doubled. The combination of Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 and annexin IV did not alter the in vitro activity of CaMKII. These data demonstrate that Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 is an additional cellular signal that participates in the control of salt and fluid secretion, pH balance, osmoregulation, and other physiological activities that depend upon gClCa activation. Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 metabolism and action should also be taken into account when designing treatment strategies for cystic fibrosis.

Elevated [Cl-]i, and [Na+]i inhibit Na+, K+, Cl- cotransport by different mechanisms in squid giant axons

Bumetanide-sensitive (BS) unidirectional fluxes of (36)Cl- or (22)Na+ were measured in internally dialyzed squid giant axons while varying the intra- or extracellular concentrations of Na+ and/or Cl-. Raising either [Cl-]i or [Na+]i resulted in a concentration-dependent reduction of the BS influx of both (36)Cl- and (22)Na+. Raising [Cl-]i above 200 mM completely blocked BS influxes. However, raising [Na+]i to 290 mM resulted in saturable but incomplete inhibition of both BS Na+ influx and BS Cl- influx. The consequences of varying intracellular Cl- on cotransporter effluxes were complex. At lower [Cl-]i values (below 100 mM) intracellular Cl- activated cotransporter effluxes. Surprisingly, however, raising [Cl-]i levels > 125 mM resulted in a [Cl-]i-dependent inhibition of BS effluxes of both Na+ and Cl-. On the other hand, raising [Na+]i resulted only in the activation of the BS Na+ efflux; intracellular Na+ did not inhibit BS efflux even at 290 mM. The inhibitory effects of intracellular Na+ on cotransporter-mediated influxes, and lack of inhibitory effects on BS effluxes, are consistent with the trans-side inhibition expected for an ordered binding/release model of cotransporter operation. However, the inhibitory effects of intracellular Cl- on both influxes and effluxes are not explained by such a model. These data suggest that Cl may interact with an intracellular site (or sites), which does not mediate Cl transport, but does modulate the transport activity of the Na+, K+, Cl- cotransporter.

Shrinkage activates a nonselective conductance: involvement of a Walker-motif protein and PKC

The ability of all cells to maintain their volume during an osmotic challenge is dependent on the regulated movement of salt and water across the plasma membrane. We demonstrate the phosphorylation-dependent gating of a nonselective conductance in Caco-2 cells during cellular shrinkage. Intracellular application of exogenous purified rat brain protein kinase C (PKC) resulted in the activation of a current similar to that activated during shrinkage with a Na(+)-to-Cl- permeability ratio of approximately 1.7:1. To prevent possible PKC- and/or shrinkage-dependent activation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR), which is expressed at high levels in Caco-2 cells, a functional anti-peptide antibody, anti-CFTR505-511, was introduced into the cells via the patch pipette. Anti-CFTR505-511, which is directed against the Walker motif in the first nucleotide binding fold of CFTR, prevented the PKC/shrink-age current activation. The peptide CFTR505-511 also induced current inhibition, suggesting the possible involvement of a regulatory element in close proximity to the channel that shares sequence homology with the first nucleotide binding fold of CFTR and whose binding to the channel is required for channel gating.

Hypertonicity activates nonselective cation channels in mouse cortical collecting duct cells

We investigated the effect of cell shrinkage on whole-cell currents of M-1 mouse cortical collecting duct cells. Addition of 100 mM sucrose to an isotonic NaCl bath solution induced cell shrinkage and increased whole-cell currents within 5-10 min by approximately 12-fold. The effect was reversible upon return to isotonic solution and could also be elicited by adding 100 mM urea or 50 mM NaCl. Replacement of bath Na+ by K+, Cs+, Li+, or Rb+ did not significantly affect the stimulated inward current, but replacement by N-methyl-D-glucamine reduced it by 88.1 +/- 1.3% (n = 34); this demonstrates that hypertonicity activates a nonselective alkali cation conductance. The activation was independent of extra- and intracellular Ca2+, but 1 or 10 mM ATP in the pipette suppressed it in a concentration-dependent manner, indicating that intracellular ATP levels may modulate the degree of channel activation. Flufenamic acid (0.1 mM) and gadolinium (0.1 mM) inhibited the stimulated current by 68.7 +/- 5.9% (n = 9) and 32.4 +/- 11.7% (n = 6), respectively, whereas 0.1 mM amiloride had no significant effect. During the early phase of hypertonic stimulation single-channel transitions could be detected in whole-cell current recordings, and a gradual activation of 30 and more individual channels with a single-channel conductance of 26.7 +/- 0.4 pS (n = 29) could be resolved. Thus, we identified the nonselective cation channel underlying the shrinkage-induced whole-cell conductance that may play a role in volume regulation.

Regulation of whole cell currents by cytosolic cAMP, Ca2+, and Cl- in rat fetal distal lung epithelium

The whole cell patch-clamp technique was used to study ionic conductances in fetal distal lung epithelial (FDLE) cells. In unstimulated FDLE cells, K+ conductances were detected in lowered intracellular Cl- concentration ([Cl-]i, < or = 50 mM). The whole cell currents of FDLE cells were increased by elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) or intracellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) concentration ([cAMP]i). The elevation of [Ca2+]i activated the K+ currents. The amiloride-blockable whole cell currents were activated by [cAMP]i of 1 mM with [Cl-]i of 20 mM and were more frequently detected in the pipette solution without ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) than with it (0.5 mM). When the [Cl-]i was fixed at 50 or 145 mM, however, the increase in these currents was not detected even with cAMP and without EGTA. The amiloride-blockable currents were detected in both the Na+ and K+ pipette solutions. Thus the increase in amiloride-blockable whole cell currents was due to the activation of nonselective cation channels. In FDLE cells treated with terbutaline, which is a beta 2-adrenergic receptor agonist, or forskolin, these currents were detected in the pipette solution containing 20 mM Cl- but were suppressed with time when the pipette solution contained 50 or 145 mM Cl-. It seems likely that maintenance of [Cl-]i at the lowered level is an important requirement for the FDLE cells to activate the amiloride-blockable whole cell currents. It is proposed that cellular mechanisms, such as cell shrinkage, exist to reduce the [Cl-]i in response to cAMP.

Hypertonic stress increases the Na+ conductance of rat hepatocytes in primary culture

We studied the ionic mechanisms underlying the regulatory volume increase of rat hepatocytes in primary culture by use of confocal laser scanning microscopy, conventional and ion-sensitive microelectrodes, cable analysis, microfluorometry, and measurements of 86Rb+ uptake. Increasing osmolarity from 300 to 400 mosm/liter by addition of sucrose decreased cell volumes to 88.6% within 1 min; thereafter, cell volumes increased to 94.1% of control within 10 min, equivalent to a regulatory volume increase (RVI) by 44.5%. This RVI was paralleled by a decrease in cell input resistance and in specific cell membrane resistance to 88 and 60%, respectively. Ion substitution experiments (high K+, low Na+, low Cl-) revealed that these membrane effects are due to an increase in hepatocyte Na+ conductance. During RVI, ouabain-sensitive 86Rb+ uptake was augmented to 141% of control, and cell Na+ and cell K+ increased to 148 and 180%, respectively. The RVI, the increases in Na+ conductance and cell Na+, as well as the activation of Na+/K(+)-ATPase were completely blocked by 10(-5) mol/liter amiloride. At this concentration, amiloride had no effect on osmotically induced cell alkalinization via Na+/H+ exchange. When osmolarity was increased from 220 to 300 mosm/liter (by readdition of sucrose after a preperiod of 15 min in which the cells underwent a regulatory volume decrease, RVD) cell volumes initially decreased to 81.5%; thereafter cell volumes increased to 90.8% of control. This post-RVD-RVI of 55.0% is also mediated by an increase in Na+ conductance. We conclude that rat hepatocytes in confluent primary culture are capable of RVI as well as of post-RVD-RVI. In this system, hypertonic stress leads to a considerable increase in cell membrane Na+ conductance. In concert with conductive Na+ influx, cell K+ is then increased via activation of Na+/K(+)-ATPase. An additional role of Na+/H+ exchange in the volume regulation of rat hepatocytes remains to be defined.

Chloride is required for receptor-mediated divalent cation entry in mesangial cells

Agonists which stimulate the inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate ([1,4,5]-IP3)-dependent mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores also stimulate entry of divalent cations across the cell membrane. Under appropriate experimental conditions, divalent cation entry across the cell membrane can be monitored as the rate at which the intracellular fluorescence of divalent cation indicators is quenched by the addition of Mn2+ to the extracellular medium. We report that addition of vasopressin to fura-2-loaded glomerular mesangial cells in culture markedly accelerated the rate at which Mn2+ quenched fura-2 fluorescence at its Ca(2+)-insensitive wavelength in the presence of extracellular NaCl, but that this quench response was attenuated when Cl- was removed from the extracellular medium by equimolar substitution with impermeant anions (gluconate, methanesulfonate, acetate, lactate). Similarly, loss of agonist-induced quench also occurred when Cl- was substituted with gluconate in K(+)-containing media. Addition of the Cl- channel inhibitor, 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylaminobenzoic acid) (NPPB), also inhibited Mn(2+)-induced quench of fura-2 fluorescence following vasopressin addition. In contrast, in the presence of gramicidin to provide an alternate conductance pathway to accompany divalent cation entry, agonist-dependent Mn2+ quench occurred even in the absence of extracellular Cl-, indicating that the requirement for Cl- was not the result of cotransport on a common transporter nor the result of Cl- serving as a necessary cofactor for divalent cation entry. A similar dependence on extracellular Cl- was observed for other Ca(2+)-mobilizing agonists such as endothelin, as well as the intracellular Ca2+ ATPase inhibitor, thapsigargin. Extracellular Cl- dependence for agonist-induced divalent cation entry was also reflected in a corresponding extracellular Cl- dependence for agonist-induced mesangial cell contraction. It has been previously shown by ourselves (Kremer et al., 1992a, Am. J. Physiol., 262:F668-F678) and others that agonist-stimulated calcium mobilization in mesangial cells is accompanied by inhibition of K+ conductance and increased Cl- conductance. Accordingly, we conclude that the current findings suggest that activation of Cl- conductance provides regulated charge compensation for receptor-mediated divalent cation entry in response to Ca(2+)-mobilizing vasoconstrictor agonists in mesangial cells.

ATP is not required for anion current activated by cell swelling in multidrug-resistant lung cancer cells

During whole cell recording with 4 mM ATP and 0.1 mM GTP in the pipette, outwardly rectifying Cl- currents (155 +/- 20.5 pA/pF) were repetitively activated on reduction of bath solution osmolarity from 290 mosM (control) to 210 mosM. These currents were sensitive to 0.1-1 mM 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid. Omission of ATP from the pipette solution reduced the current magnitude to 42.7 +/- 9.5 pA/pF and prevented repetitive activation. More hyposmotic solutions (160 mosM) usually elicited current repetitively despite an ATP-free pipette solution. In cells depleted of ATP (to < 5% of control) by preincubation with 2-deoxyglucose (10 mM) and rotenone (100 nM), hyposmotic solutions failed to activate significant current. Cell volume increased to 230 +/- 18% of control (19.1 +/- 1.2 microns) in 210 mosM bath (normal cells) but only to 114 +/- 13% of control in ATP-depleted cells exposed to 160 mosM solution. This failure of ATP-depleted cells to swell in hypotonic external solutions was reversed by overnight pretreatment with cytochalasin D (2 micrograms/ml; n = 6) but not by colchicine (250 microM; n = 8). In outside-out patches of membrane dialyzed with zero ATP and excised from swollen cells, we observed sustained activation of a 53-pS outwardly rectifying channel (chord conductance, +100 mV; open probability approximately 1.0). In cell-attached patches from normal and ATP-depleted cells, we activated similar channels by suction. ATP does not appear to be an absolute requirement for the activation of this Cl- channel in H69AR cells but may be essential for the normal volume response and channel activation mediated through cytoskeletal elements within cells.

Selective response of human airway epithelia to luminal but not serosal solution hypertonicity. Possible role for proximal airway epithelia as an osmolality transducer

The response of cultured human nasal epithelia to hypertonic bathing solutions was tested using ion-selective microelectrode and quantitative microscopy. Raised luminal, but not serosal, osmolality (+/- 150 mM mannitol) decreased Na+ absorption but did not induce Cl- secretion. Raised luminal osmolality increased cell Cl- activity, Na+ activity, and transepithelial resistance and decreased both apical and basolateral membrane potentials and the fractional resistance of the apical membrane; equivalent circuit analysis revealed increases in apical, basolateral, and shunt resistances. Prolonged exposure (10 min) to 430 mosM luminal solution elicited no regulation of any parameter. Optical measurements revealed a reduction in the thickness of preparations only in response to luminal hypertonic solutions. We conclude that (a) airway epithelial cells exhibit asymmetric water transport properties, with the apical membrane water permeability exceeding that of the basolateral membrane; (b) the cellular response to volume loss is a deactivation of the basolateral membrane K+ conductance and the apical membrane Cl- conductance; (c) luminal hypertonicity slows the rate of Na+ absorption but does not induce Cl- secretion; and (d) cell volume loss increases the resistance of the paracellular path. We speculate that these properties configure human nasal epithelium to behave as an osmotic sensor, transducing information about luminal solutions to the airway wall.

Cl- regulation of a Ca(2+)-activated nonselective cation channel in beta-agonist-treated fetal distal lung epithelium

Nonselective cation (NSC) channels have been identified in the apical membrane of fetal distal lung epithelium (FDLE). However, their physiological role in Na+ transport is uncertain. Because terbutaline, a beta 2-agonist, increases Na+ transport by FDLE, we studied its effect and selected signal transduction mechanisms on NSC channel activity. Using patch-clamp and single-cell imaging techniques, we found that terbutaline activated the NSC channel by 1) increasing its sensitivity to cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) by 100- to 1,000-fold, 2) increasing [Ca2+]c from 35 nM to 3.3 microM, 3) producing a dependency of the NSC channel activity on the cytosolic Cl- concentration ([Cl-]c) at a physiological [Ca2+]c, and 4) inducing a reduction in the [Cl-]c from 45 to 25 mM, which directly activates the beta 2-treated NSC channel. These observations indicate that a beta 2-agonist physiologically activates an amiloride-blockable NSC channel in FDLE through an increase in its sensitivity to [Ca2+]c, resulting in the development of a [Cl-]c dependency at a physiological [Ca2+]c associated with both an increase in [Ca2+]c and a reduction in [Cl-]c. A development of the [Cl-]c dependency and a reduction in [Cl-]c act as a second messenger of the beta-agonist signal transduction pathway in this Na(+)-transporting epithelium.

Single-channel characteristics of the large-conductance anion channel in rat cortical astrocytes in primary culture

Cultured rat cortical astrocytes, in addition to a variety of voltage-sensitive potassium channels, also express anion channels. However, the behavior and regulation of these anion channels have been far less studied. This paper describes a patch-clamp study on a voltage-sensitive 200-300 pS high-conductance single-channel anion current, which seems to possess at least five different open sublevels or, alternatively, be formed from five or more small-conductance ion channels linked together. This channel is voltage dependent, showing a bell-shaped open probability curve with highest open probability close to the reversal potential (zero-current). Although potassium channels are commonly detected in astrocytes in cell-attached and excised patches with both normal osmolarity and hypoosmotic solutions, the occurrence of the anion channel is clearly increased in isolated patches when hypoosmotic bath solutions are used. Also, cell aging in culture and the preparation of secondary cell cultures by trypsinization seem to increase the rate of occurrence of the anion channel. Though this channel is more routinely seen when a membrane patch is excised from the cell, occasionally cell-attached configurations with instant channel activity can be formed. While the modulation of this anion channel was being studied, it was found to be blocked by an anion transport inhibitor, L-644,711, reported to affect cell volume regulation in astrocytes.

Renal epithelial cells show nonselective cation channel activity and express a gene related to the cGMP-gated photoreceptor channel

Nonselective cation channels have been found in various parts of the nephron and represent a heterogeneous group of channels. We briefly review their putative physiological function. Renal epithelial nonselective cation channels may play a role in volume regulation, calcium entry, cell proliferation, and sodium reabsorption. In some renal epithelia cGMP seems to be involved in the regulation of nonselective cation channels. Furthermore, there is evidence that a gene related to the cGMP-gated photoreceptor channel, a well-characterized, nonselective cation channel, is also expressed in whole rat kidney tissue. In the context of these observations, we review recent findings from our own work on a nonselective cation channel in the M-1 mouse cortical collecting duct cell line. We could demonstrate that M-1 cells show nonselective cation channel activity in inside-out patches and express a gene related to the cGMP-gated photoreceptor channel (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:10262-10266, 1992). The possibility of a relation between the kidney channel and the photoreceptor channel is discussed.

Mechanically sensitive, nonselective cation channels

Mechanically sensitive channels (MSCs) are ubiquitous in plant and animal cells. They respond primarily to membrane tension, thus making them good transducers for forces derived from osmotic or hydraulic gradients and shear stress. They may also be modulated by membrane voltage and various ligands. MSCs are most commonly cation selective, passing calcium as well as monovalent ions, but some are K+ selective, and a few are anion selective. MSCs occur at a density of about 0.2-5 per microns2. The universal distribution and biophysical properties of MSCs make them the ideal mechanotransducers in a wide variety of cellular processes.

Regions involved in the opening of CIC-2 chloride channel by voltage and cell volume

Regulation of cell volume is essential for every cell and is accomplished by the regulated loss or gain of intracellular ions or other osmolytes. Regulatory volume decrease often involves the parallel activation of potassium and chloride channels. Overexpression of P-glycoprotein leads to volume-activated Cl- currents but its physiological importance for volume regulation is unclear. CIC-2 is a ubiquitously expressed Cl- channel activatable by non-physiologically strong hyperpolarization. We now show that CIC-2 can be activated by extracellular hypotonicity, which suggests that it has a widespread role in volume regulation. Domains necessary for activation by both voltage and volume are localized to the amino terminus. Mutations in an 'essential' region lead to constitutively open channels unresponsive to medium tonicity, whereas deletions in a 'modulating' region produce partially opened channels responsive to both hypo- and hypertonicity. These domains can be transplanted to different regions of the protein without loss of function.