Kinetics of reversible DIDS inhibition of chloride self exchange in human erythrocytes

Cell Physiology and Molecular Mechanism of Anion Transport by Erythrocyte Band 3/AE1

The major transmembrane protein of the red blood cell, known as band 3, AE1, and SLC4A1, has two main functions: 1) catalysis of Cl^-/HCO₃^- exchange, one of the steps in CO₂ excretion; 2) anchoring the membrane skeleton. This review summarizes the 150 year history of research on red cell anion transport and band 3 as an experimental system for studying membrane protein structure and ion transport mechanisms. Important early findings were that red cell Cl^- transport is a tightly coupled 1:1 exchange and band 3 is labeled by stilbenesulfonate derivatives that inhibit anion transport. Biochemical studies showed that the protein is dimeric or tetrameric (paired dimers) and that there is one stilbenedisulfonate binding site per subunit of the dimer. Transport kinetics and inhibitor characteristics supported the idea that the transporter acts by an alternating access mechanism with intrinsic asymmetry. The sequence of band 3 cDNA provided a framework for detailed study of protein topology and amino acid residues important for transport. The identification of genetic variants produced insights into the roles of band 3 in red cell abnormalities and distal renal tubular acidosis. The publication of the membrane domain crystal structure made it possible to propose concrete molecular models of transport. Future research directions include improving our understanding of the transport mechanism at the molecular level and of the integrative relationships among band 3, hemoglobin, carbonic anhydrase, and gradients (both transmembrane and subcellular) of HCO₃^-, Cl^-, O₂, CO₂, pH, and NO metabolites during pulmonary and systemic capillary gas exchange.

myo-Inositol trispyrophosphate: a novel allosteric effector of hemoglobin with high permeation selectivity across the red blood cell plasma membrane

myo-Inositol trispyrophosphate (ITPP), a novel membrane-permeant allosteric effector of hemoglobin (Hb), enhances the regulated oxygen release capacity of red blood cells, thus counteracting the effects of hypoxia in diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular ailments. ITPP-induced shifting of the oxygen-hemoglobin equilibrium curve in red blood cells (RBCs) was inhibited by DIDS and NAP-taurine, indicating that band 3 protein, an anion transporter mainly localized on the RBC membrane, allows ITPP entry into RBCs. The maximum intracellular concentration of ITPP, determined by ion chromatography, was 5.5×10(-3) M, whereas a drop in concentration to the limit of detection was observed in NAP-taurine-treated RBCs. The dissociation constant of ITPP binding to RBC ghosts was found to be 1.72×10(-5) M. All data obtained indicate that ITPP uptake is mediated by band 3 protein and is thus highly tissue-selective towards RBCs, a feature of major importance for its potential therapeutic use.

Involvement of carboxyl groups in chloride transport and reversible DIDS binding to band 3 protein in human erythrocytes

Noncovalent DIDS binding to Band 3 (AE1) protein in human erythrocyte membranes, modified by non-penetrating, water soluble 1-ethyl-3-(4-azonia-4,4-dimethylpentyl)-carbodiimide iodide (EAC), was studied at 0°C in the presence of 165 mM KCl. Under experimental conditions applied up to (48 ± 5) % of irreversible chloride self-exchange inhibition was observed. The apparent dissociation constant, KD, for “DIDS-Band 3” complex, determined from the chloride transport experiments, was (34 ± 3) nM and (80 ± 12) nM for control and EAC-treated resealed ghosts, respectively. The inhibition constant, Ki, for DIDS was (35 ± 6) nM and (60 ± 8) nM in control and EAC-treated ghosts, respectively. The reduced affinity for DIDS reversible binding was not a result of negative cooperativity of DIDS binding sites of Band 3 oligomer since Hill’s coefficients were indistinguishable from 1 (within the limit error) both for control and EAC-treated ghosts. By using tritium-labeled DIDS, 4,4’-diisothiocyanato-2,2’-stilbenedisulfonate ([³H]DIDS), the association rate constant, k₊₁ (M⁻¹s⁻¹), was measured. The mean values of (4.3 ± 0.7) × 10⁵ M⁻¹s⁻¹ for control and (2.7 ± 0.7) × 10⁵ M⁻¹s⁻¹ for EAC-treated ghosts were obtained. The mean values for K_D, evaluated from [³H]DIDS binding measurements, were (37 ± 9) nM and (90 ± 21) nM for control and EAC-modified ghosts, respectively. The results demonstrate that EAC modification of AE1 reduces about 2-fold the affinity of AE1 for DIDS. It is suggested that half of the subunits are modified near the transport site by EAC.

Poor outcome of sphincter repair: an evacuation problem?

INTRODUCTION

Colorectal transport in idiopathic fecal incontinence has scarcely been studied, and it remains to be investigated in patients with fecal incontinence and anal sphincter lesion. The aim of the present study was to compare colorectal transport during defecation in patients with idiopathic fecal incontinence and patients with fecal incontinence due to anal sphincter lesions with transport in healthy volunteers.

METHOD

Five women with idiopathic fecal incontinence (median age 72 years, range: 58-78 years) and five women with an obstetric sphincter lesion (median age 42 years, range: 28-63 years), four of whom had had previous anal sphincter repair, were compared with nine healthy female volunteers (median age 53 years, range 32-57 years). Colorectal scintigraphy was performed to assess colorectal emptying at defecation as well as segmental antegrade and retrograde transport during defecation. Segmental colorectal transit times were determined using radio-opaque markers.

RESULTS

Median colorectal emptying time at defecation was significantly lower in the sphincter lesion group compared with the healthy volunteers (P = 0.009). At defecation, median antegrade transport time from the ascending colon was significantly lower in the sphincter lesion group than in the healthy group (P = 0.02). The median segmental transit time from the rectosigmoid colon was higher in the group with a sphincter lesion than in the healthy group (P = 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the group with idiopathic fecal incontinence and the healthy volunteers.

CONCLUSION

Patients with fecal incontinence due to sphincter lesions, but not those with idiopathic fecal incontinence, have reduced transport from the cecum/ascending colon and from the rectosigmoid colon at defecation.

Imaging of the diffusion of single band 3 molecules on normal and mutant erythrocytes

Membrane-spanning proteins may interact with a variety of other integral and peripheral membrane proteins via a diversity of protein-protein interactions. Not surprisingly, defects or mutations in any one of these interacting components can impact the physical and biological properties on the entire complex. Here we use quantum dots to image the diffusion of individual band 3 molecules in the plasma membranes of intact human erythrocytes from healthy volunteers and patients with defects in one of their membrane components, leading to well-known red cell pathologies (hereditary spherocytosis, hereditary elliptocytosis, hereditary hydrocytosis, Southeast Asian ovalocytosis, and hereditary pyropoikilocytosis). After characterizing the motile properties of the major subpopulations of band 3 in intact normal erythrocytes, we demonstrate that the properties of these subpopulations of band 3 change significantly in diseased cells, as evidenced by changes in the microscopic and macroscopic diffusion coefficients of band 3 and in the compartment sizes in which the different band 3 populations can diffuse. Because the above membrane abnormalities largely arise from defects in other membrane components (eg, spectrin, ankyrin), these data suggest that single particle tracking of band 3 might constitute a useful tool for characterizing the general structural integrity of the human erythrocyte membrane.

Neural gastrointestinal electrical stimulation enhances colonic motility in a chronic canine model of delayed colonic transit

Neural gastrointestinal electrical stimulation (NGES) induces sequential contractions and enhances emptying in acute canine gastric and colonic models. This study was set to determine (i) the effect of NGES in a chronic canine model of delayed colonic transit and (ii) possible mechanism of action. Four pairs of electrodes were implanted in the distal colon of nine mongrel dogs. Delayed colonic transit was induced by diphenoxylate/atropine and alosetron. Transit was fluoroscopically determined by the rate of evacuation of radiopaque markers, and was tested twice in each dog, in random order, on and off stimulation. Two stimulation sequences, separated by 1 min, were delivered twice a day via exteriorized electrodes. Colonic manometry during stimulation was performed before and after intravenous (i.v.) injection of 1 mg of atropine. Complete evacuation of all markers was significantly shortened by NGES, from 4 days to 2 days, interquartile range 3-4 days vs 2-3 days, respectively, P = 0.016. NGES induced strong sequential contractions that were significantly diminished by atropine: 190.0 +/- 14.0 mmHg vs 48.7 +/- 19.4 mmHg, respectively (P < 0.001). NGES induces strong sequential colonic contractions and significantly accelerates movement of content in a canine model of delayed colonic transit. The effect is atropine sensitive.

Development of a new method for small bowel transit study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Currently, most studies combine the small bowel transit examination with gastric emptying time examination. There are significant drawbacks to this method. The radiotracer does not enter the small intestine in a bolus and the starting time for transit in the duodenum is difficult to define. This makes the result unreliable. In this study, we used a commercial enteric capsule containing radioactive charcoal to solve these problems.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Activated charcoal powder was mixed with Tc-99m pertechnetate and loaded to the enteric capsule which can resist gastric acid and dissolve only in the small intestine. In-vitro stability experiment was performed by immersing these capsules in a colorless phosphate buffer of variable pH which mimicked the condition in stomach and small intestine. In addition, ten healthy Chinese volunteers were included for in-vivo experiment. Anterior and posterior views of abdomen were obtained at regular 30-minute intervals until the eighth hour after administration of the radioactive enteric capsule. Small bowel transit time was calculated.

RESULTS

The enteric capsule remained intact for at least 480 minutes in the solution mimicking gastric content (pH = 3.0) and disrupted at a mean duration of 227.2 minutes at a pH of 6.8 and at a mean duration of 212.4 minutes at a pH of 7.4 in the solution mimicking pancreaticobiliary secretions. In nine of ten volunteers, the small bowel transit time was between 30 to 270 minutes with a mean transit time of 140 min. In one volunteer, we failed to detect the exact time of small bowel transit because the capsule remained in the stomach throughout the study for up to 8 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

We consider activated charcoal labeled with Tc-99m pertechnetate using an enteric capsule as the carrier to be a potential radioactive marker for small bowel transit study.

Manometric techniques for the evaluation of colonic motor activity: current status

Colonic motility disorders are common conditions. However, our understanding of normal, and, consequently, pathological motor function of the colon remains limited, mainly due to the relative inaccessibility of this organ for study. Investigation of colonic motility may encompass one or more of the four separate components (myoelectric activity, phasic and tonic contractile activity and movement of intraluminal content) using electrophysiological, manometric or transit studies. Although transit studies provide the best 'functional' appreciation of colonic motor activity, and are the only techniques used in contemporary clinical practice, manometric methods are becoming increasingly popular, as they allow a direct study of colonic contractile activity over prolonged periods. To date, the majority of studies have been limited to the pelvic colon by a retrograde (per rectal) approach; however, recent technological advances have facilitated 'pan-colonic' investigation. This review concentrates on manometry of the human colon proximal to the sigmoid, and includes evaluation of both phasic and tonic motor activity, by utilization of perfused-tube and solid-state manometric catheters, and also the electronic barostat. Methodological techniques, experimental protocols and the analysis and interpretation of recorded data are critically explored, and a contemporary classification of colonic contractile activities is presented.

Equilibrative and concentrative nucleoside transporters mediate influx of extracellular cyclic ADP-ribose into 3T3 murine fibroblasts

In mammals cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR), a universal calcium mobilizer from intracellular stores, is generated from NAD(+) at the outer cell surface by the multifunctional ectoenzyme CD38 and by related ADP-ribosyl cyclases. Recently, influx of extracellular cADPR has been observed in 3T3 murine fibroblasts, where it elicits Ca(2+)-mediated enhancement of proliferation. Here we addressed the nature and the properties of cADPR influx into CD38(-) 3T3 cells, which showed pleiotropic mechanisms of both equilibrative and concentrative transport. Based on selective inhibitors or experimental conditions (e.g. abrogation of Na(+)-dependent active symport processes and transient transfection experiments) and on reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis of transcripts in 3T3 fibroblasts and comparatively in HeLa cells, we identified cADPR-transporting activities with specific nucleoside transporters (NT), both equilibrative (ENT2) and concentrative (CNT2 and a nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBMPR)-inhibitable NT). A reciprocal inhibition relationship was observed between inosine and cADPR fluxes across these NT species. Concentrative (but not equilibrative) transport of nanomolar extracellular cADPR took place in CD38(-) 3T3 cells co-cultured for 48 h in transwells on feeders of CD38-transfected, cADPR-generating 3T3 fibroblasts. These results suggest possible, hitherto unrecognized, correlations between ectocellular metabolism of nucleotides/nucleosides and cADPR-mediated regulation of intracellular calcium homeostasis.

Fully automated analysis of colonic manometry recordings

The purpose of this study was to develop a computer program for fully automated analysis of all presently known motor patterns in human colonic motility recordings. Colonic pressure recordings obtained from 24 healthy volunteers were used. Algorithms were developed for the detection and numerical analysis of five types of pressure waves: antegrade, retrograde, simultaneous, high-amplitude and isolated pressure waves. Furthermore, periodical motor activity was quantified. Validation was performed by comparison with visual analysis by two experienced observers. Patterns recorded during day- and night-time were compared using multiple-factor analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction. Automated analysis correlated well with visual peak detection (r = 0.98, P <0.01) and detection of antegrade pressure waves (r = 0.98, P <0.01). Most motor patterns showed a diurnal variation. During the night, prevalences of antegrade (938 vs 455; P <0.05), retrograde (112 vs 81; P <0.05), high-amplitude (12.9 vs 1.3; P <0.05), isolated pressure waves (1114 vs 765; P <0.05), and periodic motor activity were decreased (7.33 vs 4.47%; P <0.05). However, when expressed as percentage of absolute numbers of pressure waves, prevalences remained constant. In conclusion, fully automated analysis of all hitherto described colonic motility patterns is feasible. During the night, overall wave prevalences markedly decreased, but the distribution over the various motor patterns was preserved.

Periodic colonic motor activity identified by 24-h pancolonic ambulatory manometry in humans

The pattern of colonic motor activity in healthy humans has not been fully elucidated to date. The aim of this study was to evaluate colorectal motor activity employing 24-h ambulant pancolonic manometry. Ten healthy volunteers (6F, 4M), aged 19-31 years were studied. Motor activity was measured using two custom-made silicone coated catheters, each with five solid-state pressure transducers. No bowel preparation or sedation was used. The study period was 24 h. A total of 232 h of recording was obtained. Sixty-three high amplitude propagated contractions were observed, median six per 24-h period. Low-amplitude colonic contractile activity showed regional and diurnal variations. Frequency of contraction was highest in the right colon [median 5.26 cpm (cycles per minute)], and transverse colon and splenic flexure (median 5.15 cpm). The interval between colonic motor complexes was shortest in the transverse colon and splenic flexure. This study introduces a new technique for the evaluation of colorectal motor activity. Subjects were studied in an ambulant setting in their own environment ensuring that this method of study is as physiological as possible. This study demonstrates that colonic motor activity has two main components: high amplitude propagated contractions and low amplitude colonic contractile activity.

Avian intrapulmonary chemoreceptor discharge rate is increased by anion exchange blocker 'DIDS'

Avian intrapulmonary chemoreceptors (IPC) are neurons that sense lung P(CO(2)) and provide phasic feedback for the control of breathing in birds. To try to understand mechanisms of CO(2) transduction and intracellular pH regulation in IPC, the anion exchange inhibitor 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS) was used to block transmembrane Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) transport. Single-unit IPC discharge rates were measured at steady intrapulmonary CO(2) levels and during step changes in CO(2) in 15 anesthetized, unidirectionally ventilated adult mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos). Measurements were repeated after giving 50, 100 and 200 micromol/kg cumulative i.v. dosages of DIDS. Mean IPC discharge rates at steady (tonic) P(CO(2)) levels were significantly increased by 100 and 200 micromol/kg DIDS, but not by 50 micromol/kg DIDS. Mean dynamic (phasic) IPC responses to CO(2) steps were not significantly affected by DIDS. Results indicate that the DIDS-sensitive Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) membrane exchanger is involved with tonic CO(2) signal transduction in IPC. However, because some individual IPC were unaffected by DIDS, yet still altered their discharge rate with CO(2), additional mechanisms besides the Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchange are probably required for CO(2) chemotransduction in IPC.

Circadian rhythm of rectal motor complexes

PURPOSE

Prolonged rectal pressure recordings have revealed that the rectum exhibits typical bursts of regular pressure waves, also called rectal motor complexes. Although there is consensus regarding the characteristics of rectal motor complexes, their function is poorly understood. Furthermore, data regarding the circadian rhythm of these complexes are either lacking or conflicting. Therefore, we conducted a study to investigate the circadian rhythm of rectal motor complexes in fully ambulant subjects. Because a meal is a powerful and physiologic stimulus to elicit colonic pressure activity, we also studied the effect of a meal on these rectal motor complexes.

METHODS

Prolonged ambulant anorectal pressure recordings were performed in 12 healthy volunteers (male:female ratio, 6:6; median age, 27 (range, 22-53) years). A total of 139 rectal motor complexes were observed in >300 hours of recording.

RESULTS

All subjects exhibited rectal motor complexes during the daytime, whereas in five subjects, no rectal motor complexes were observed during sleep. The number of rectal motor complexes was significantly lower during sleep (diurnal vs. nocturnal, 8 vs. 1 per subject, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the duration and peak amplitude of these nocturnal rectal motor complexes were significantly reduced. On the ambulant recordings, the subjects marked a total of 20 meals. During the first 2 hours after these meals, rectal motor complexes were noted in 65 percent of the cases. The postprandial frequency of rectal motor complexes was significantly higher than the overall frequency (2/hour vs. 0.4/hour, P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that sleep results in a reduction of rectal motor activity, whereas a meal provides a stimulus for increased rectal motor activity in fully ambulant subjects.

Prolonged multi-point recording of colonic manometry in the unprepared human colon: providing insight into potentially relevant pressure wave parameters

OBJECTIVES

To determine the feasibility of and derive normative data for prolonged, 24-h, multipoint, closely spaced, water perfused manometry of the unprepared human colon.

METHODS

In 14 healthy volunteers, 24-h recordings were made using a water perfused, balloon-tipped, 17 lumen catheter which was passed pernasally and positioned so that 16 recording sites spanned the colon at 7.5 cm intervals from cecum to rectum. The area under the pressure curve and propagating pressure wave parameters were quantified for the 16 regions. High amplitude propagating sequences were defined as were rectal motor complexes.

RESULTS

Nasocolonic recording was well tolerated and achievable. Propagation sequences, including high amplitude propagating sequences, originated in the cecum (0.32 +/- 0.05/h) more frequently than in other regions and the extent of propagation correlated significantly with proximity of the site of sequence origin to the cecum (p < 0.001). Propagation velocity of propagating sequences was greater than high amplitude propagating sequences (p = 0.0002) and region-dependent, unlike high amplitude propagating sequences (p < 0.01). The frequency of propagating sequences did not increase after the meal, but frequency of high amplitude propagating sequences was increased significantly by the meal (p < 0.01). Rectal motor complexes were seen throughout the colon with no apparent periodicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Prolonged, multipoint, perfusion manometry of the unprepared colon provides improved spatial resolution of colonic motor patterns and confirms the diurnal and regional variations in propagating pressure waves detected in the prepared colon. The study demonstrates differences between high amplitude propagating sequences and propagating sequence parameters that may have functional significance; and also, that the rectal motor complex is a ubiquitous pan colonic motor pattern.

Spatial and temporal organization of pressure patterns throughout the unprepared colon during spontaneous defecation

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine colonic motor events associated with spontaneous defecation in the entire unprepared human colon under physiological conditions.

METHODS

In 13 healthy volunteers a perfused, balloon-tipped, 17-lumen catheter (outer diameter, 3.5 mm; intersidehole spacing, 7.5 cm) was passed pernasally and positioned in the distal unprepared colon.

RESULTS

In the hour before spontaneous defecation, there was an increase in propagating sequence frequency (p = 0.04) and nonpropagating activity when compared to basal conditions (p < 0.0001). During this hour the spatial and temporal relationships among propagating sequences demonstrated a biphasic pattern. Both the early (proximal) and late (distal) colonic phases involved the whole colon and were characterized by respective antegrade and retrograde migration of site-of-origin of arrays of propagating sequences. There was a negative correlation between propagating sequence amplitude and the time interval from propagating sequence to stool expulsion (p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

The colonic motor correlate of defecation is the colonic propagating sequence, the frequency and amplitude of which begin to increase as early as 1 h before stool expulsion. During the preexpulsive phase, the spatial and temporal relationship among the sites of origin of individual propagating sequences demonstrate a stereotypic anal followed by orad migration, which raises the possibility of control by long colocolonic pathways.

Reversible DIDS binding to band 3 protein in human erythrocyte membranes

Reversible binding of DIDS [4,4'-diisothiocyanato-2,2'-stilbenedisulphonate] to Band 3 protein, the anion exchanger located in erythrocyte plasma membrane, was studied in human erythrocytes. For this purpose, the tritiated form of DIDS ([3H]DIDS) has been synthesized and the filtering technique has been used to follow the kinetics of DIDS binding to the sites on Band 3 protein. The obtained results showed monophasic kinetics both for dissociation and association of the 'DIDS--Band 3' complex at 0 degree C in the presence of 165 mM KCl outside the cell (pH 7.3). A pseudo-first order association rate constant k+1 was determined to be (3.72 +/- 0.42) x 10(5) M-1 s-1, while the dissociation rate constant K-1 was determined to be (9.40 +/- 0.68) x 10(-3) s-1. The dissociation constant KD, calculated from the measured values of k-1 and k+1, was found to be 2.53 x 10(-8) M. The standard thermodynamics parameters characterizing reversible DIDS binding to Band 3 protein at 0 degree C were calculated. The mean values of the activation energies for the association and dissociation steps in the DIDS binding mechanism were determined to be (34 +/- 9) kJ mole-1 and (152 +/- 21) kJ mole-1, respectively. The results provide, for the first time, evidence for the reversibility of DIDS binding to Band 3 protein at 0 degree C. The existence of a stimulatory site is suggested, nearby the transport site on the Band 3 protein. The binding of an anion to this site can facilitate (through electrostatic repulsion interaction between two anions) the transmembrane movement of another anion from the transport site.

Anion binding characteristics of the band 3 / 4,4'-dibenzamidostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate binary complex: Evidence for both steric and allosteric interactions

A novel kinetic approach was used to measure monovalent anion binding to better define the mechanistic basis for competition between stilbenedisulfonates and transportable anions on band 3. An anion-induced acceleration in the release of 4,4prime-dibenzamidostilbene-2,2prime-disulfonate (DBDS) from its complex with band 3 was measured using monovalent anions of various size and relative affinity for the transport site. The K1/2 values for anion binding were determined and correlated with transport site affinity constants obtained from the literature and the dehydrated radius of each anion. The results show that anions with ionic radii of 120-200 pm fall on a well-defined correlation line where the ranking of the K1/2 values matched the ranking of the transport site affinity constants (thiocyanate < nitrate equivalent to bromide < chloride < fluoride). The K1/2 values for the anions on this line were about 4-fold larger than expected for anion binding to inhibitor-free band 3. Such a lowered affinity can be explained in terms of allosteric site-site interactions, since the K1/2 values decreased with increasing anionic size. In contrast, iodide, with an ionic radius of about 212 pm, had a 10-fold lower affinity than predicted by the correlation line established by the smaller monovalent anions. These results indicate that smaller monovalent anions have unobstructed access to the transport site within the band 3 / DBDS binary complex, while iodide experiences significant steric hindrance when binding. The observation of steric hindrance in iodide binding to the band 3 / DBDS binary complex, but not in the binding of smaller monovalent anions, suggests that the stilbenedisulfonate binding site is located at the outer surface of an access channel leading to the transport site.Key words: band 3, anion transport, membrane protein structure, red cell membrane.

Ambulatory manometric recording of anorectal activity

PURPOSE

Ambulatory anorectal manometry is usually analyzed by computer analysis only. An in-depth analysis with visual assessment of the recordings combined with computer analysis is presented.

METHODS

Recordings of 20 to 24 hours in length were performed on ten healthy subjects. Spontaneous anal canal relaxations were analyzed and related to changes in rectal pressure and any reported rectal sensation. Pressure variations in the anorectum, including the rectal motor complex, were studied.

RESULTS

In the awake subject the frequency of anal canal relaxations was 14.5 to 18.7/hour, and the frequency was 4.3/hour while asleep. They can be divided into two different subtypes. The amplitude of the pressure fall was 26 to 29 mm Hg, but diminished during sleep to 19 mm Hg. The duration of each relaxation was 16 to 19 seconds. Passage of flatus and the sensation of flatus in the rectum occurs 1.5 and 1.2 times per hour, respectively, usually with simultaneous anal canal relaxation. The frequency of rectal motor complexes in the midrectum was 0.4/hour and in the lower rectum was 0.7/hour; the duration was 10.3 and 5.8 minutes, respectively, with no nocturnal variation. The complexes could not be related to anorectal events.

CONCLUSIONS

The study provides supplementary knowledge of anorectal physiology, particularly of anal canal relaxation, and proposes a more detailed method for evaluation of data obtained by ambulatory anorectal manometry.

Persistence of external chloride and DIDS binding after chemical modification of Glu-681 in human band 3

Although its primary function is monovalent anion exchange, the band 3 protein also cotransports divalent anions together with protons at low pH. The putative proton binding site, Glu-681 in human erythrocyte band 3, is conserved throughout the anion exchanger family (AE family). To determine whether or not the monovalent anion binding site is located near Glu-681, we modified this residue with Woodward's reagent K (N-ethyl-5-phenylisoxazolium-3'-sulfonate; WRK). Measurements of Cl(-) binding by (35)Cl-NMR show that external Cl(-) binds to band 3 even when Cl(-) transport is inhibited approximately 95% by WRK modification of Glu-681. This indicates that the external Cl(-) binding site is not located near Glu-681 and thus presumably is distant from the proton binding site. DIDS inhibits Cl(-) binding even when WRK is bound to Glu-681, indicating that the DIDS binding site is also distant from Glu-681. Our data suggest that the DIDS site and probably also the externally facing Cl(-) transport site are located nearer to the external surface of the membrane than Glu-681.

A novel role of 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid as an activator of the phosphatase activity catalyzed by plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase

The hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl phosphate catalyzed by the erythrocyte membrane Ca2+-ATPase is stimulated by low concentrations of the compound 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS), a classic inhibitor of anion transport. Enhancement of the phosphatase activity varies from 2- to 6-fold, depending on the Ca2+ and calmodulin concentrations used. Maximum stimulation of the pNPPase activity in ghosts is reached at 4-5 microM DIDS. Under the same conditions, but with ATP rather than pNPP as the substrate, the Ca2+-ATPase activity is strongly inhibited. Activation of pNPP hydrolysis by DIDS is equally effective for both ghosts and purified enzyme, and therefore is independent of its effect as an anion transport inhibitor. Binding of the activator does not change the Ca2+ dependence of the pNPPase activity. Stimulation is partially additive to the activation of the pNPPase activity elicited by calmodulin and appears to involve a strong affinity binding or covalent binding to sulfhydryl groups of the enzyme, since activation is reversed by addition of dithiothreitol but not by washing. The degree of activation of pNPP hydrolysis is greater at alkaline pH values. DIDS decreases the apparent affinity of the enzyme for pNPP whether in the presence of Ca2+ alone or Ca2+ and calmodulin or in the absence of Ca2+ (with 5 microM DIDS the observed Km shifts from 4.8 +/- 1.4 to 10.1 +/- 2.6, from 3.8 +/- 0.4 to 7.0 +/- 0.8, and from 9.3 +/- 0.7 to 15.5 +/- 1.1 mM, respectively). However, the pNPPase rate is always increased (as above, from 3.6 +/- 0.6 to 11.2 +/- 1.7, from 4.4 +/- 0.5 to 11.4 +/- 0.9, and from 2.6 +/- 0.6 to 18.6 +/- 3.9 nmol mg-1 min-1, in the presence of Ca2+ alone or Ca2+ and calmodulin or in the absence of Ca2+, respectively). ATP inhibits the pNPPase activity in the absence of Ca2+, both in the presence and in the absence of DIDS. Therefore, kinetic evidence indicates that DIDS does more than shift the enzyme to the E2 conformation. We propose that the transition from E2 to E1 is decreased and a new enzyme conformer, denoted E2*, is accumulated in the presence of DIDS.

Manometric tests of anorectal function in healthy adults

OBJECTIVE

Although tests of anorectal function are useful in the assessment of defecation disorders, there is inadequate and inconsistent information regarding normative data. Also, there are discrepancies in manometric techniques and data interpretation. Our aim was to perform a comprehensive evaluation of anorectal function in healthy adults.

METHODS

We used a 6-mm diameter probe containing six radially arrayed microtransducers, and a 4-cm-long latex balloon for performing anorectal manometry in 45 healthy subjects who were controlled for gender and age. Sequentially, subjects were asked to squeeze, bear down, or blow up a party balloon. Subsequently, rectal sensation, rectal compliance, and rectoanal reflexes were assessed simultaneously by performing intermittent phasic balloon distentions. Additionally, balloon defecation, pudendal nerve latency, and saline continence tests were performed.

RESULTS

In men, the anal sphincter was longer (p < 0.05) and squeeze sphincter pressure and squeeze duration were higher (p < 0.01), but resting sphincter pressure was similar to that in women. When bearing down, although not significant, the defecation index was higher in men. Distinct thresholds for rectal sensation were identified but there was no gender difference. Likewise, rectal compliance and balloon expulsion time were similar. However, during saline infusion, the onset of first leak and total volume retained were higher (p < 0.001) and pudendal nerve latency was shorter (p < 0.05) in men. Overall, parity or age did not influence anorectal function.

CONCLUSIONS

This study represents the most comprehensive age- and gender-controlled assessment of anorectal function using solid state technology. Gender influences some parameters of anorectal function. Our results could serve as a valuable resource of normative data.

Lactate transport in L6 skeletal muscle cells and vesicles: allosteric or multisite mechanism and functional membrane marker of differentiation

Membrane lactate transport was studied in skeletal muscle cells and membrane vesicles from the L6 line in relation to in vitro myogenesis. In myoblasts, lactate was transported by simple diffusion and insensitive to classical inhibitors: a positive correlation between onset of creatine kinase activity and lactate transport in differentiated myotubes was observed and could be considered to be a functional marker of cell differentiation. In myotubes, complete analysis of the velocity curves (direct coordinates, Eadie-Scatchard plots, Hill plots) gave parameters showing that lactate was carried by an allosteric or multisite system. This was confirmed by using sarcolemmal vesicles and specific inhibitors. In whole cells, alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CIN) and parachloromercuribenzylsulphonic acid (pCMBS) inhibited the maximal velocity without modifying the global cooperativity of the system. The weak effect of 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (DIDS), which has a low affinity constant (Ki = 22.5 microM), implicated the monocarboxylate system rather than the anionic exchanger as a carrier system in muscle cells. CIN and DIDS exhibited one type of interaction with lactate carriers, and the curvilinear shape of the lactate Hill plot with or without inhibitors suggested that inhibitors were active at the same family of interaction sites and had a common range of affinities. The apparent competitive inhibition of pyruvate (Ki = 3.2 mM) did not modify the transport pathway of lactate in L6 myotubes. In conclusion, kinetic analysis of lactate transport in the presence or absence of inhibitors gave evidence for a multisite lactate carrier activity in myotubes composed of two systems at least, related to two or three isoforms of lactate carriers.

Gel filtration chromatographic studies of the isolated membrane domain of band 3

We have investigated the oligomeric state of the membrane domain of band 3 (MDB3) in non-ionic detergent solution using Sepharose CL-4B gel filtration chromatography to study the hydrodynamic properties of the protein as a function of its concentration. The studies were performed in a C12E9 (polyoxyethylene-9-lauryl ether) buffer containing phosphatidylcholine and sodium chloride, which significantly slow a dilution-induced band 3 conformational change, and an associated aggregation process. Under these conditions native MDB3 eluted predominantly as a single Gaussian peak with a Stokes radius of 76 +/- 14 A, at all protein concentrations studies between 0.2 and 12 microM. This value agrees with the calculated Stokes radius (74 A) determined from the crystal structure of the MDB3 dimer. The Stokes radius of the MDB3 monomer was obtained experimentally by treating native MDB3 with 0.5% SDS, and exchanging the SDS for C12E9 on the Sepharose column. SDS-treated MDB3 showed two peaks whose ratio was strongly dependent on applied protein concentration. The peak representing the largest material had a Stokes radius of 69.7 +/- 14 A, which is essentially the same as the native MDB3 dimer. The peak representing the smaller material had a Stokes radius of 36 +/- 9 A, and was assigned as the MDB3 monomer in C12E9. Evidence is discussed which indicates that the C12E9 monomer specifically self-associates to form a functional MDB3 dimer. We conclude that native MDB3 exists as a stable dimer in mixed micellar solutions composed of C12E9 and phosphatidylcholine, and that the dimer can be dissociated to monomers only by denaturation.

Electrodiffusion, barrier, and gating analysis of DIDS-insensitive chloride conductance in human red blood cells treated with valinomycin or gramicidin

Current-voltage curves for DIDS-insensitive Cl- conductance have been determined in human red blood cells from five donors. Currents were estimated from the rate of cell shrinkage using flow cytometry and differential laser light scattering. Membrane potentials were estimated from the extracellular pH of unbuffered suspensions using the proton ionophore FCCP. The width of the Gaussian distribution of cell volumes remained invariant during cell shrinkage, indicating a homogeneous C1- conductance among the cells. After pretreatment for 30 min with DIDS, net effluxes of K+ and Cl- were induced by valinomycin and were measured in the continued presence of DIDS; inhibition was maximal at approximately 65% above 1 microM DIDS at both 25 degrees C and 37 degrees C. The nonlinear current-voltage curves for DIDS-insensitive net Cl- effluxes, induced by valinomycin or gramicidin at varied [K+] o, were compared with predictions based on (1) the theory of electrodiffusion, (2) a single barrier model, (3) single occupancy, multiple barrier models, and (4) a voltage-gated mechanism. Electrodiffusion precisely describes the relationship between the measured transmembrane voltage and [K+]o. Under our experimental conditions (pH 7.5, 23 degrees C, 1-3 microM valinomycin or 60 ng/ml gramicidin, 1.2% hematocrit), the constant field permeability ratio PK/PCl is 74 +/- 9 with 10 microM DIDS, corresponding to 73% inhibition of PCl. Fitting the constant field current-voltage equation to the measured Cl- currents yields PCl = 0.13 h-1 with DIDS, compared to 0.49 h-1 without DIDS, in good agreement with most previous studies. The inward rectifying DIDS-insensitive Cl- current, however, is inconsistent with electrodiffusion and with certain single-occupancy multiple barrier models. The data are well described either by a single barrier located near the center of the transmembrane electric field, or, alternatively, by a voltage-gated channel mechanism according to which the maximal conductance is 0.055 +/- 0.005 S/g Hb, half the channels are open at -27 +/- 2 mV, and the equivalent gating charge is -1.2 +/- 0.3.

An oxonol dye is the most potent known inhibitor of band 3-mediated anion exchange

When cells are acutely exposed to the oxonol dye, bis(1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid)pentamethine oxonol (diBA), at 0 degrees C, the concentration that gives half inhibition of Cl- exchange (IC50) is 0.146 +/- 0.013 microM (n = 12) initially, but the inhibition increases with time. These characteristics indicate that a rapid initial binding is followed by a slow conformational change that makes the binding tighter. If diBA is allowed to equilibrate with band 3, the IC50 is only 1.05 +/- 0.13 nM (n = 5), making diBA a more potent inhibitor than 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS), for which the IC50 under similar conditions is 31 +/- 6 nM [T. Janas, P. J. Bjerrum, J. Brahm, and J. O. Wieth. Am. J. Physiol. 257 (Cell Physiol. 26): C601-C606, 1989]. Inhibition by diBA is very slowly reversible at 0 degrees C (t1/2 > 50 h), but the effect is more readily reversible at higher temperatures. DiBA competes with 4,4'-dinitrostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate (DNDS) for inhibition, suggesting an external site of action. In contrast to DIDS and DNDS, however, increasing Cl- concentrations do not decrease the inhibitory effect of diBA, indicating that the inhibition is not competitive. Thus diBA may be useful for investigating conformational changes during anion exchange and for stopping transport without preventing substrate binding. However, when diBA and other oxonols are used to sense membrane potential, they may have undesirable side effects on anion transport processes.

Characterization of the stilbenedisulfonate binding site on band 3

Stilbenedisulfonates are potent inhibitors of Band 3 mediated anion exchange. They bind tightly to the protein and form a 1-to-1 reversible complex. Those stilbenedisulfonates which contain isothocyanato groups such as DIDS (4,4'-diisothiocyanato-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonate) and H2DIDS (4,4'-diisothiocyanatodihydrostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate) can also react rapidly with lysine residues within the binding pocket to yield an irreversible covalent adduct. The reactive lysine residue is known as lysine-A, and is thought to have an unusually low pKa. In this report, we characterize the kinetics of DIDS adduct formation with respect to the effect of substrate anions, competitive inhibitory anions, and pH on the rate of covalent adduct formation. We investigate the following: (a) whether stilbenedisulfonates bind to or block access of substrate anions to the transport site; (b) whether the rapidity of the covalent reaction of DIDS at neutral pH is due to a low pKa for lysine-A within the binding pocket; and (c) whether once bound, DIDS and H2DIDS isothiocyanato groups are accessible to reagents. For this latter experiment, we have utilized a newly discovered reaction of the DIDS isothiocyanato groups with azide to test for accessibility. Our results show that substrate anions, DIDS, and Band 3 form a ternary complex. Significantly, the binding of large substrate anions, such as iodide, is not weakened by DIDS to any greater extent than is the binding of smaller substrates such as chloride or fluoride. These results are not consistent with a "partial blockade" hypothesis for the relationship between the stilbenedisulfonate and transport sites. Rather, they support an allosteric site-site interaction hypothesis. Our pH dependence results show that the apparent pKa for the DIDS/lysine-A reaction is greater than 9.26. This is consistent with typical lysine pKa values, and indicates that lysine-A does not have an unusually low pKa. Finally, we show that azide can react with the isothiocyanato groups of DIDS and H2DIDS within their Band 3 complexes, indicating that the stilbenedisulfonate binding site is accessible to solute. These results support a view which suggests that the stilbenedisulfonate site is a superficial inhibitory site on Band 3 which inhibits transport by allosteric interactions within the protein, rather than by either direct or partial blockade of the transport site.

Lysosomal sulfate transport: inhibitor studies

Sulfate derived from the degradation of macromolecules is released from lysosomes via a carrier mediated process. In order to further characterize this process, recognized inhibitors of the erythrocyte band 3 anion transporter were examined for their effects on the lysosomal system. Studies with band 3 transport site inhibitors such as DIDS, SITS and phenylglyoxal indicated that, similar to the case for the band 3 protein, the lysosomal transporter has critical lysine and arginine residues. Band 3 translocation pathway or channel blocking inhibitors had mixed effects on the lysosomal system. 1,2-Cyclohexanedione, which covalently modifies a band 3 arginine residue distinct from that modified by phenylglyoxal, inhibited lysosomal sulfate transport. In contrast, the potent band 3 inhibitor dipyridamole had no effect on lysosomal sulfate transport indicating that there are some structural differences between the erythrocyte and lysosomal anion transporters. The band 3 translocation inhibitors niflumic acid and dinitrofluorobenzene were both effective inhibitors of the lysosomal system. Cupric ion inhibited sulfate transport while Ca2+, Co2+, Mg2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+ had no inhibitory effects. Exposure of intact lysosomes to trypsin largely ablated transport of sulfate. This information should be useful in efforts to further elucidate the structure and function of the lysosomal sulfate transporter.

Human colonic motility: physiological aspects

From the point of view of its motor activity, the human colon is probably the least understood of the abdominal hollow viscera. This is due to several facts: a) its proximal portions are relatively inaccessible due to anatomical reasons; b) there is no reliable animal model due to the considerable anatomic-physiological differences among mammals. For instance, most deductions about human colonic motor activity have been drawn from experiences in cats and dogs, in which the colon displays a cecum which is almost atrophic, and the viscus is featureless and C-shaped, without the haustrations and the sharp angulations seen in man, c) the wide fluctuations of motility in the daily time course of the same individual makes the interpretation of many studies difficult, especially considering the fact that, until recently, most of the studies on human colonic motility have been conducted for relatively short (30-180 min) recording periods. Recently, however, techniques that allow recording from the proximal portions of the human colon have been developed, and prolonged (24 h or more) observations of myoelectrical and contractile events have been achieved, thus improving our knowledge of the normal physiologic properties of the viscus. These informations have furthermore been integrated and confirmed by scintigraphic techniques (less invasive), that allow the measurement of intracolonic flow activity. The purpose of the present paper is to review the physiological aspects of colonic motility in man, quoting animal studies where human ones are lacking. We will briefly introduce some basic concepts, then a more detailed description of the main topic will follow.

HCO3- secretion by rat distal colon: effects of inhibitors and extracellular Na+

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The large intestine secretes HCO3- via a Cl-/HCO3- exchange mechanism located in the apical membrane of colonocytes. However, an additional transport system(s) must facilitate HCO3- (OH-) entry or H+ exit across the basolateral cell surface. The aim of this study was to determine that mechanism(s).

METHODS

A modified Ussing apparatus was used to measure net HCO3- secretion in segments of rat distal colon.

RESULTS

When added to the serosal solution, 10 mmol/L 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyano-2,2'-disulfonic acid stilbene (SITS), 1 mmol/L SITS and 0.1 mmol/L diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, inhibited HCO3- secretion by 88%, 51%, and 30%, respectively. However, the Na+/H+ exchange inhibitors, amiloride (1 mmol/L), dimethylamiloride (0.1 mmol/L), ethylisopropylamiloride (0.1 mmol/L), failed to affect HCO3- secretion. Acetazolamide (1 mmol/L) blocked HCO3- secretion by approximately 60% when in the serosal solution but had little effect when in the mucosal solution. Ion substitution studies showed that HCO3- secretion required Na+ in the serosal solution (K0.5 approximately 12 mmol/L). HCO3- secretion was unaffected by depolarizing the basolateral membrane potential with K(+)-rich medium.

CONCLUSIONS

These data are consistent with Na+ linked HCO3- transport across the colonocyte basolateral membrane, which appears to be electroneutral.

Zn(II) transport and distribution in rat spermatids

Zn(II) is an essential trace element. In spermatozoa, Zn(II) modulates metabolism and chromatin condensation. The mechanisms of uptake and distribution of this ion in sperm cells have not been explored. In rat spermatids, our results indicate that 1) 65Zn(II) binds with fast kinetics to a labile, presumably extracellular, compartment. This binding is temperature insensitive and not modified by metabolic inhibitors. 2) Entry of 65Zn(II) in the absence of externally added proteins occurs through a mediated transport system that allows exchange to reach steady state in approximately 15 min at 34 degrees C. 3) Upon entering the cells, 65Zn(II) binds tightly to cellular organelles. 4) Exchangeable Zn(II) bound to cytoplasmic proteins plus free intracellular Zn(II) appears to be < 20% of total exchangeable Zn(II). 5) The intracellular exchangeable Zn(II) compartment is decreased by metabolic inhibitors, showing a direct or indirect link between energy metabolism and cellular Zn(II) levels. 6) 65Zn(II) efflux from rat spermatids is a process with a rate constant of 0.16 +/- 0.13 min-1 at 34 degrees C. This exit rate of Zn(II) is likely to be affected by Zn(II) release from cytoplasmic binding sites or organelles.

WW-781, a potent reversible inhibitor of red cell Cl- flux, binds to band 3 by a two-step mechanism

WW-781 ([3-methyl-1-p-sulfophenyl-5-pyrazolone-(4)]-[1,3-dibutylbarbit uric acid]-pentamethine oxonol), a fluorescent dye that has been used for measuring membrane potentials by optical methods, inhibits human red blood cell Cl- exchange, which is mediated by the membrane protein known as band 3 or capnophorin. The inhibition is slowly reversible upon removal of WW-781 from the medium, with a half time of approximately 4.7 min in 150 mM Cl- medium at 0 degrees C. The mechanism of inhibition by WW-781 involves a two-step binding reaction. WW-781 binds rapidly to band 3 to form an initial complex, which can also rapidly dissociate. Formation of this initial complex is followed by the much slower formation of a second complex (with a rate constant of approximately 1.1 min-1), probably involving a protein conformational change, through which WW-781 is more tightly bound to band 3. At low concentrations, WW-781 inhibits Cl- exchange with a stoichiometry of 1 WW-781 molecule per band 3 monomer, suggesting that under these conditions the binding of WW-781 is highly selective for the band 3 protein.

Kinetics of residual chloride transport in human red blood cells after maximum covalent 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid binding

Irreversible inhibition, 99.8% of control values for chloride transport in human red blood cells, was obtained by well-established methods of maximum covalent binding of 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS). The kinetics of the residual chloride transport (0.2%, 106 pmol.cm-2 x s-1) at 38 degrees C, pH 7.2) was studied by means of 36Cl- efflux. The outside apparent affinity, expressed by Ko1/2,c, was 34 mM, as determined by substituting external KCl by sucrose. The residual flux was reversibly inhibited by a reexposure to DIDS, and by 4,4'-dinitrostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate (DNDS), phloretin, salicylate, and alpha-bromo-4-hydroxy-3,5-dinitroacetophenone (Killer III) (Borders, C. L., Jr., D. M. Perez, M. W. Lafferty, A. J. Kondow, J. Brahm, M. B. Fenderson, G. L. Breisford, and V. B. Pett. 1989. Bioorganic Chemistry. 17:96-107), to approximately 0.001% of control cells, which is a flux as low as in lipid bilayers. The reversible DIDS inhibition of the residual chloride flux depended on the extracellular chloride concentration, but was not purely competitive. The half-inhibition concentrations at [Cl(o)] = 150 mM in control cells (Ki,o) and covalently DIDS-treated cells (Ki,c) were: DIDS, Ki,c = 73 nM; DNDS, Ki,o = 6.3 microM, Ki,c = 22 microM; phloretin, Ki,o = 19 microM, Ki,c = 17 microM; salicylate, Ki,o = 4 mM, Ki,c = 8 mM; Killer III, Ki,o = 10 microM, Ki,c = 10 microM.

Relationship between anal canal tone and rectal motor activity

The anal sphincters facilitate fecal continence by maintaining a pressure barrier; whether proximal contractile events influence this barrier is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether a relationship exists between anal canal pressures and rectal motor activity. A fully ambulatory system for prolonged pressure recording was developed. In 12 healthy subjects (seven males and five females; mean age, 35 years; range, 22-43 years), a flexible transducer catheter (outside diameter, 4.5 mm) was introduced endoscopically such that sensors were 2, 3, 8, 12, 18, and 24 cm from the anal orifice. Twenty-four-hour spontaneous motor activity was stored in a 2.5-megabyte portable recorder for later transfer to a Microvax II for computerized analysis and display. Mean anal canal pressure was calculated, and rectal motor complexes (RMCs) were characterized. Mean and canal resting pressure was 75 +/- 12 mmHg. During sleep, anal pressures displayed cyclic decreases (mean periodicity, 1.6 hours; range, 1-4 hours), during which the mean +/- SD pressure trough was 15 +/- 4 mmHg (range, 8-21 mmHg). RMCs were identified in all subjects: mean frequency, 16 per 24 hours (range, 12-22 per 24 hours); duration, 15.3 minutes (range, 8-35 minutes); contractile frequency, two to three per minute; mean peak amplitudes, 58 +/- 18 mmHg; and periodicity, 78 +/- 24 minutes (range, 35-265 minutes). Importantly, an RMC was invariably accompanied by a rise in mean anal canal pressure and contractile activity such that pressure in the anal canal was always greater than pressure in the rectum. Anal canal relaxations never occurred during an RMC. Motor activities of the rectum and of the anal canal may be related; the onset of rectal contractions was accompanied by increased resting pressure and contractile activity of the anal canal. This temporal relationship represents an important mechanism preserving fecal continence.

Stilbene disulphonates inhibit apparently separate chloride transporters in skeletal muscle of Rana temporaria

1. Inhibition of 36Cl- efflux in frog muscle by the stilbene disulphonates (SD) SITS (4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanato-stilbene-2,2'-disulphonate) and DNDS (4,4'-dinitro-stilbene-2,2'-disulphonate) depends on the external pH, while the blocking of Cl- conductance with SITS is independent of pH. The 36Cl- efflux inhibition with DNDS has been studied in thin depolarized muscle fibre bundles in order to examine whether this difference is consistent with one transporter or reflects the existence of two mutually independent conductive and non-conductive SD-sensitive Cl- pathways. 2. The 36Cl- efflux response to a sudden inward KCl gradient was studied. At high pH the efflux decreased as predicted for dominant conductive Cl- single-filing, and at low pH the efflux increased in agreement with dominant non-conductive Cl- antiport. DNDS inhibition resulted in the same response, an efflux decrease, at both high and low pH, suggesting a selective reduction of the non-conductive contribution at low pH. 3. The inhibition of 36Cl- efflux as a function of the DNDS concentration at an external pH of 6.9 showed complex kinetics, which could be described as the sum of two Michaelis-Menten functions with different half-inhibition concentrations of DNDS. 4. The results support the hypothesis that the stilbene disulphonate-sensitive Cl- transport is mediated by two separate transporters rather than one.

Defective anion transport activity of the abnormal band 3 in hereditary ovalocytic red blood cells

Hereditary ovalocytosis is common in some areas of Melanesia and South East Asia where malaria is endemic. These red cells resist invasion by malarial parasites in vitro and ovalocytic individuals are less parasitized than normal. This has been attributed to the greater rigidity of ovalocytic red cells. It has been suggested that South East Asian ovalocytosis results from the heterozygous presence of an altered membrane anion transporter (band 3). We have used the polymerase chain reaction to clone the abnormal band 3 complementary DNA from an ovalocytic of Indian origin and found two changes from the normal protein: a point mutation (Lys 56----Glu) and the deletion of the sequence AFSPQVLAA (residues 400-408), but no evidence for an N-terminal extension. The deletion is also found in the abnormal band 3 of South East Asian ovalocytes and seems to be responsible for the unusual properties of the ovalocytic red cell. We show here that the membrane domain of the abnormal ovalocyte band 3 has a substantially altered structure and that the protein is defective in anion transport activity. The changed transport properties of the red cells may have a role in the reduced parasitaemia of ovalocytic individuals.

Inhibition of L-lactate transport and band 3-mediated anion transport in erythrocytes by the novel stilbenedisulphonate N,N,N',N'-tetrabenzyl-4,4'-diaminostilbene-2,2'-disulpho nat e (TBenzDS)

(1) The synthesis of the novel stilbenedisulphonate N,N,N',N'-tetrabenzyl- 4,4'-diaminostilbene-2,2'-disulphonate (TBenzDS) is described, and its interaction with the lactate transporter and band 3 protein of erythrocytes investigated. At 10% haematocrit the IC50 (concn. required for 50% inhibition) for inhibition of transport of 0.5 mM L-lactate into rat erythrocytes at 7 degrees C was approx. 1.6 microM, as low as any other inhibitor of the transporter. In human erythrocytes at 10% haematocrit the IC50 value was increased from approx. 3 microM to 9 microM upon raising the temperature from 7 degrees C to 25 degrees C. (2) TBenzDS inhibited transport of L-lactate into rat erythrocytes in a manner that was competitive with the substrate, as is the case for some other stilbene disulphonate derivatives (Poole, R.C. and Halestrap, A.P. (1991) Biochem. J. 275, 307-312). (3) Increasing the haematocrit from 5 to 20% caused a 3-fold increase in the IC50 value for inhibition of L-lactate transport in rat erythrocytes. (4) TBenzDS was found to bind to erythrocyte membranes, with a partition coefficient (Pm) of 6000-7000 under all conditions tested. (5) TBenzDS also inhibited band 3-mediated sulphate transport in rat erythrocytes; 50% inhibition required approx. 2.5 microM TBenzDS for cells at 10% haematocrit. (6) TBenzDS is fluorescent, and an enhancement of this fluorescence occurs upon addition of BSA or erythrocyte membranes. The fluorescence enhancement caused by erythrocyte membranes is due to binding of the inhibitor to the band 3 protein at the same site as the stilbenedisulphonate 4,4'-diisothiocyanodihydrostilbene-2,2'-disulphonate (H2DIDS).

Evidence for the development of an intermonomeric asymmetry in the covalent binding of 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate to human erythrocyte band 3

Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) studies have identified two oligomeric forms of band 3 whose proportions on gel profiles were modulated by the particular ligand occupying the intramonomeric stilbenedisulfonate site during intermonomeric cross-linking by BS3 [bis-(sulfosuccinimidyl) suberate] [Salhany et al. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 17688-17693]. When DIDS (4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate) was irreversibly attached to all monomers, BS3 covalent dimers predominated, while with DNDS (4,4'-dinitrostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate) present to protect the intramonomeric stilbenedisulfonate site from attack by BS3, a partially cross-linked band 3 tetramer was observed. In the present study, we investigate the structure of the protected stilbenedisulfonate site within the tetrameric complex by measuring the ability of patent monomers to react irreversibly with DIDS. Our results show two main populations of band 3 monomers present after reaction with DNDS/BS3: (a) inactive monomers resulting from the displacement of reversibly bound DNDS molecules and subsequent irreversible attachment of BS3 to the intramonomeric stilbenedisulfonate site and (b) residual, active monomers. All of the residual activity was fully inhibitable by DIDS under conditions of reversible binding, confirming expectations that all of the monomers responsible for the residual activity have patent stilbenedisulfonate sites. However, within this active population, two subpopulations could be identified: (1) monomers which were irreversibly reactive toward DIDS and (2) monomers which were refractory toward irreversible binding of DIDS at pH 6.9, despite being capable of binding DIDS reversibly. Increasing the pH to 9.5 during treatment of DNDS/BS3-modified cells with 300 microM DIDS did not cause increased irreversible transport inhibition relative to that seen for cells treated at pH 6.9.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Reversible and irreversible inhibition, by stilbenedisulphonates, of lactate transport into rat erythrocytes. Identification of some new high-affinity inhibitors

1. Inhibition of L-lactate transport into rat erythrocytes by stilbenedisulphonates was studied under conditions which allowed the contribution of reversible and irreversible inhibition to be assessed. 2. At low temperatures (7 degrees C), 4,4'-di-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonate (DIDS) and other stilbenedisulphonates were found to inhibit lactate transport instantaneously, in a manner which was fully reversible. The most potent reversible inhibitors were 4,4'-dibenzamidostilbene-2,2'-disulphonate (DBDS), DIDS and 4-acetamido-4'isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonate (SITS), for which apparent Ki values at 0.5 mM-L-lactate were approx. 36, 53 and 130 microM respectively. 3. DIDS and DBDS were competitive inhibitors with respect to L-lactate, with Ki values of approx 40 microM and 22 microM respectively. 4. After incubation for 1 h at 37 degrees C with DIDS or its dihydro derivative (H2DIDS), which contain the amino-reactive isothiocyanate group, most of the inhibition observed was irreversible. Under these conditions the IC50 value (concn. causing 50% inhibition) for irreversible inhibition by both compounds was approx 100 microM. SITS was much less potent as an irreversible inhibitor of L-lactate transport, approx. 20% inhibition being obtained at 100 microM. 5. The reversible inhibitor DBDS (1 mM) afforded protection against irreversible inhibition by DIDS and H2DIDS (100 microM); protection was 60 and 65% respectively after a 60 min incubation. This indicates that specific binding of the irreversible inhibitors is required before covalent modification can take place. 6. These compounds may be useful high-affinity probes for lactate transport in other tissues and might act as affinity labels for the transport protein(s).

Kinetics of hemolysis of normal and abnormal red blood cells in glycerol-containing media

The kinetics of hemolysis of erythrocytes in glycerol-containing media was studied spectrophotometrically. The hemolytic process starts by a rapid process, obeying a first order rate law, which is followed by a slow change in absorbance. The kinetics of hemolysis may be described by (a) the maximum absorption, Emax, due to cellular expansion, (b) the rate constant, k, of the fast process and (c) the final absorption at its end, Einf and the ratio Einf/Emax. At pH 6.85 in normal human cells, k = 0.72 min-1 while in hereditary spherocytosis cells, k = 1.06 min-1, iron deficiency k = 0.52 and beta-thalassemia minor k = 0.36 min-1. The percentages of Einf/Emax were 35.3 in control cells, while they were 9.8, 50.0 and 88.3 in spherocytosis, iron deficiency and thalassemia, respectively. Thus these kinetic parameters may help to distinguish and understand the above mentioned erythrocyte disorders. At physiological pH (7.4-7.2), no hemolysis was detected in the medium used. When the pH decreased, hemolysis occurred, its rate increasing gradually until pH 6.3. On further acidosis, the hemolytic rate slowed down again. Addition of DIDS to the whole blood prior to the test inhibits hemolysis. Similar effect of DIDS was noted in washed cells; this effect was partially reversed by albumin. These results suggest that a process involving band 3 affects the rate and degree of glycerol-induced hemolysis of normal red blood cells.

Kinetics of DIDS inhibition of HL-60 cell anion exchange rules out ping-pong model with slippage

According to the ping-pong model of band 3-mediated anion exchange, the transport protein has a single transport site, which can exist in either an inward-facing or an outward-facing conformation. Anions bind to these unloaded forms of the carrier, and translocation takes place only when a suitable anion is bound to the transport site. In a previous paper [Am. J. Physiol. 257 (Cell Physiol. 26): C520-C527, 1989], we had shown that the substrate kinetics of Cl-Cl exchange in the promyelocytic HL-60 cell cannot be explained by this simple ping-pong model of anion exchange but is consistent with a simultaneous model according to which both extracellular and intracellular anions must bind before simultaneous translocation can take place. In the present paper we show that external 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS) inhibits anion exchange in HL-60 cells by competing with Cl- for binding to the outward-facing transport site. Furthermore, there is a linear dependence of the slope of the Dixon plot for inhibition by DIDS on the reciprocal of the intracellular Cl- concentration. This result clearly rules out a simple ping-pong scheme. In addition, the data also rule out a ping-pong model in which some translocation of the unloaded carrier is allowed (ping-pong model with slippage). The observed inhibition kinetics can be modeled by a simultaneous model of Cl-Cl exchange with competitive inhibition by DIDS.

Kinetics of bicarbonate and chloride transport in human red cell membranes

Unidirectional [14C]HCO3- and 36Cl- efflux from human red cells and ghosts was studied under self-exchange conditions at pH 7.8 and 0 degrees C by means of the Millipore-Swinnex filtering technique. Control bicarbonate experiments showed that 14CO2 loss from the cells to the efflux medium was insignificant. The anion flux was determined under (a) symmetric variations of the anion concentration (C(i) = C(o) = 5-700 mM), and (b) asymmetric conditions with CAn constant on one side and varied on the other side of the membrane. Simple Michaelis-Menten-like kinetics (MM fit: J(eff) = J(eff)max.C/(K1/2 + C)) was used to describe anion flux dependence on C for (a) C(i) = C(o) = 5-100 mM, (b) C(i) = 6-100 mM, C(o) = constant, and (c) C(i) = constant, C(o) = 1-25 mM. At higher cellular concentrations noncompetitive self-inhibition by anion binding (inhibition constant Ki mM) to an intracellular site was included in the model (MS fit): J(eff) = J(eff)max.C(i)/[(K1/2 + C(i)).(1 + C(i)/Ki)]. The MM fits show that the external half-saturation constant, Ko1/2 ( = C(o)An for J(eff,o) = 1/2.j(eff,o)max) at C(o) = 1-25 mM is 1.5-2.4 mM (HCO3-) and 1.8-2.6 mM (Cl-). At C(o) = 1-260 mM Ko1/2 is 1.2-1.5 mM (HCO3-) and 1.4-1.8 mM (Cl-). The respective maximum flux, J(eff,o)max (nmol/[cm2.s]), for C(o) = 1-25 mM is 0.41-0.51 (HCO3-) and 0.28-0.38 (Cl-), and for C(o) = 1-260 mM 0.39-0.44 (HCO3-) and 0.27-0.31 (Cl-). The internal half-saturation constant, Ki1/2 mM is: MM fit (C(i) = 6-100 mM, C(o) = 50 mM), 18.0 mM (HCO3-) and 23.8 mM (Cl-); MS fit (C(i) = 6-920 mM, C(o) = 50 mM), 32.0 mM (HCO3-) and 45.1 mM (Cl-). The maximum flux, J(eff,i)max (nmol/[cm2.s]) is: MM fit; 0.50 (HCO3-) and 0.34 (Cl-); MS fit, 0.70 (HCO-3) and 0.50 (Cl-). The half-inhibition constants of the MS fit, Ki, are 393 mM (HCO3-) and 544 mM (Cl-). The MM fit shows that the symmetric half-saturation constant, Ks1/2, is 20.2 (HCO-3) and 23.9 (Cl-) mM, and J(eff,s)max is 0.51 (HCO3-) and 0.32 (Cl-) nmol/(cm2.s). The MS fit shows that for C = 5-700 mM Ks1/2 is 30.4 nM (HCO3-) and 50.1 mM (Cl-), and Ki is 541 mM (HCO3-) and 392 mM (Cl-).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)