Regulation of intracellular pH by cultured opossum kidney cells

Neural signalling of gut mechanosensation in ingestive and digestive processes

Eating and drinking generate sequential mechanosensory signals along the digestive tract. These signals are communicated to the brain for the timely initiation and regulation of diverse ingestive and digestive processes - ranging from appetite control and tactile perception to gut motility, digestive fluid secretion and defecation - that are vital for the proper intake, breakdown and absorption of nutrients and water. Gut mechanosensation has been investigated for over a century as a common pillar of energy, fluid and gastrointestinal homeostasis, and recent discoveries of specific mechanoreceptors, contributing ion channels and the well-defined circuits underlying gut mechanosensation signalling and function have further expanded our understanding of ingestive and digestive processes at the molecular and cellular levels. In this Review, we discuss our current understanding of the generation of mechanosensory signals from the digestive periphery, the neural afferent pathways that relay these signals to the brain and the neural circuit mechanisms that control ingestive and digestive processes, focusing on the four major digestive tract parts: the oral and pharyngeal cavities, oesophagus, stomach and intestines. We also discuss the clinical implications of gut mechanosensation in ingestive and digestive disorders.

The metabolic impact of small intestinal nutrient sensing

The gastrointestinal tract maintains energy and glucose homeostasis, in part through nutrient-sensing and subsequent signaling to the brain and other tissues. In this review, we highlight the role of small intestinal nutrient-sensing in metabolic homeostasis, and link high-fat feeding, obesity, and diabetes with perturbations in these gut-brain signaling pathways. We identify how lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins, initiate gut peptide release from the enteroendocrine cells through small intestinal sensing pathways, and how these peptides regulate food intake, glucose tolerance, and hepatic glucose production. Lastly, we highlight how the gut microbiota impact small intestinal nutrient-sensing in normal physiology, and in disease, pharmacological and surgical settings. Emerging evidence indicates that the molecular mechanisms of small intestinal nutrient sensing in metabolic homeostasis have physiological and pathological impact as well as therapeutic potential in obesity and diabetes.

The gastrointestinal tract participates in maintaining metabolic homeostasis in part through nutrient-sensing and subsequent gut-brain signalling. Here the authors review the role of small intestinal nutrient-sensing in regulation of energy intake and systemic glucose metabolism, and link high-fat diet, obesity and diabetes with perturbations in these pathways.

Neuropod Cells: The Emerging Biology of Gut-Brain Sensory Transduction

Guided by sight, scent, texture, and taste, animals ingest food. Once ingested, it is up to the gut to make sense of the food's nutritional value. Classic sensory systems rely on neuroepithelial circuits to convert stimuli into signals that guide behavior. However, sensation of the gut milieu was thought to be mediated only by the passive release of hormones until the discovery of synapses in enteroendocrine cells. These are gut sensory epithelial cells, and those that form synapses are referred to as neuropod cells. Neuropod cells provide the foundation for the gut to transduce sensory signals from the intestinal milieu to the brain through fast neurotransmission onto neurons, including those of the vagus nerve. These findings have sparked a new field of exploration in sensory neurobiology-that of gut-brain sensory transduction.

Nutrient and immune sensing are obligate pathways in metabolism, immunity, and disease

The growth and survival of multicellular organisms depend upon their abilities to acquire and metabolize nutrients, efficiently store and harness energy, and sense and fight infection. Systems for sensing and using nutrients have consequently coevolved alongside systems for sensing and responding to danger signals, including pathogens, and share many of the same cell signaling proteins and networks. Diets rich in carbohydrates and fats can overload these systems, leading to obesity, metabolic dysfunction, impaired immunity, and cardiovascular disease. Excessive nutrient intake promotes adiposity, typically altering adipocyte function and immune cell distribution, both of which trigger metabolic dysfunction. Here, we discuss novel mechanistic links between metabolism and immunity that underlie metabolic dysfunction in obesity. We aim to stimulate debate about how the endocrine and immune systems are connected through autocrine, paracrine, and neuroendocrine signaling in sophisticated networks that are only now beginning to be resolved. Understanding the expression and action of signaling proteins, together with modulating their receptors or pattern recognition using agonists or antagonists, will enable rational intervention in immunometabolism that may lead to novel treatments for obesity and metabolic dysfunction.

Jejunal nutrient sensing is required for duodenal-jejunal bypass surgery to rapidly lower glucose concentrations in uncontrolled diabetes

Gastrointestinal bypass surgeries restore metabolic homeostasis in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity(1), but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Duodenal-jejunal bypass surgery (DJB), an experimental surgical technique that excludes the duodenum and proximal jejunum from nutrient transit(1,2), lowers glucose concentrations in nonobese type 2 diabetic rats(2–5). Given that DJB redirects and enhances nutrient flow into the jejunum and that jejunal nutrient sensing affects feeding(6,7), the repositioned jejunum after DJB represents a junction at which nutrients could regulate glucose homeostasis. Here we found that intrajejunal nutrient administration lowered endogenous glucose production in normal rats through a gut-brain-liver network in the presence of basal plasma insulin concentrations. Inhibition of jejunal glucose uptake or formation of long chain fatty acyl-coA negated the metabolic effects of glucose or lipid, respectively, in normal rats, and altered the rapid (2 d) glucose-lowering effect induced by DJB in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced uncontrolled diabetic rats during refeeding. Lastly, in insulin-deficient autoimmune type 1 diabetic rats and STZ-induced diabetic rats, DJB lowered glucose concentrations in 2 d independently of changes in plasma insulin concentrations, food intake and body weight. These data unveil a glucoregulatory role of jejunal nutrient sensing and its relevance in the early improvement of glycemic control after DJB in rat models of uncontrolled diabetes.

Nutritional sensing and its utility in treating obesity

Obesity remains a major worldwide health problem, with current medical treatments being poorly effective. Nutrient sensing allows organs such as the GI tract and the brain to recognize and respond to fuel substrates such as carbohydrates, protein and fats. Specialized neural and hormonal pathways exist to facilitate and regulate these chemosensory mechanisms. Manipulation of factors involved in either central or peripheral chemosensory pathways may provide possible targets for the manipulation of appetite. However, further research is required to assess the utility of this approach to developing novel anti-obesity agents.

Neuronal regulation of homeostasis by nutrient sensing

In type 2 diabetes and obesity, the homeostatic control of glucose and energy balance is impaired, leading to hyperglycemia and hyperphagia. Recent studies indicate that nutrient-sensing mechanisms in the body activate negative-feedback systems to regulate energy and glucose homeostasis through a neuronal network. Direct metabolic signaling within the intestine activates gut-brain and gut-brain-liver axes to regulate energy and glucose homeostasis, respectively. In parallel, direct metabolism of nutrients within the hypothalamus regulates food intake and blood glucose levels. These findings highlight the importance of the central nervous system in mediating the ability of nutrient sensing to maintain homeostasis. Futhermore, they provide a physiological and neuronal framework by which enhancing or restoring nutrient sensing in the intestine and the brain could normalize energy and glucose homeostasis in diabetes and obesity.

Upper intestinal lipids regulate energy and glucose homeostasis

Upon the entry of nutrients into the small intestine, nutrient sensing mechanisms are activated to allow the body to adapt appropriately to the incoming nutrients. To date, mounting evidence points to the existence of an upper intestinal lipid-induced gut-brain neuronal axis to regulate energy homeostasis. Moreover, a recent discovery has also revealed an upper intestinal lipid-induced gut-brain-liver neuronal axis involved in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. In this mini-review, we will focus on the mechanisms underlying the activation of these respective neuronal axes by upper intestinal lipids.

Targeting the CNS to treat type 2 diabetes

Research on the role of peripheral organs in the regulation of glucose homeostasis has led to the development of various monotherapies that aim to improve glucose uptake and insulin action in these organs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is now clear that the central nervous system (CNS) also plays an important part in orchestrating appropriate glucose metabolism, with accumulating evidence linking dysregulated CNS circuits to the failure of normal glucoregulatory mechanisms. There is evidence that there is substantial overlap between the CNS circuits that regulate energy balance and those that regulate glucose levels, suggesting that their dysregulation could link obesity and diabetes. These findings present new targets for therapies that may be capable of both inducing weight loss and improving glucose regulation.

Upper intestinal lipids trigger a gut-brain-liver axis to regulate glucose production

Energy and glucose homeostasis are regulated by food intake and liver glucose production, respectively. The upper intestine has a critical role in nutrient digestion and absorption. However, studies indicate that upper intestinal lipids inhibit food intake as well in rodents and humans by the activation of an intestine-brain axis. In parallel, a brain-liver axis has recently been proposed to detect blood lipids to inhibit glucose production in rodents. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that upper intestinal lipids activate an intestine-brain-liver neural axis to regulate glucose homeostasis. Here we demonstrate that direct administration of lipids into the upper intestine increased upper intestinal long-chain fatty acyl-coenzyme A (LCFA-CoA) levels and suppressed glucose production. Co-infusion of the acyl-CoA synthase inhibitor triacsin C or the anaesthetic tetracaine with duodenal lipids abolished the inhibition of glucose production, indicating that upper intestinal LCFA-CoAs regulate glucose production in the preabsorptive state. Subdiaphragmatic vagotomy or gut vagal deafferentation interrupts the neural connection between the gut and the brain, and blocks the ability of upper intestinal lipids to inhibit glucose production. Direct administration of the N-methyl-d-aspartate ion channel blocker MK-801 into the fourth ventricle or the nucleus of the solitary tract where gut sensory fibres terminate abolished the upper-intestinal-lipid-induced inhibition of glucose production. Finally, hepatic vagotomy negated the inhibitory effects of upper intestinal lipids on glucose production. These findings indicate that upper intestinal lipids activate an intestine-brain-liver neural axis to inhibit glucose production, and thereby reveal a previously unappreciated pathway that regulates glucose homeostasis.

Long-chain fatty acid sensing in the gastrointestinal tract

The gastrointestinal tract actively responds to the presence of nutrients in the lumen, and there is a high level of specificity to these responses. This specificity exists for different nutrient types and anatomical regions, with physiologically appropriate target end-organ responses. This review will journey from outlining the effects of dietary fat on digestive function and feeding behaviour to the evidence for lipid sensory cells, particularly the enteroendocrine system, in the epithelium. It will also outline potential molecular bases for these mechanisms. This will deal exclusively with issues specific to fatty acid sensing and not the emergent acid pH-sensing mechanisms that may also be activated in the presence of free fatty acids.

Effects of posture on gastric emptying, transpyloric flow, and hunger after a glucose drink in healthy humans

Previous studies suggest that posture has relatively little effect on gastric emptying of high-nutrient liquids; these studies have, however, only assessed overall rates of gastric emptying, whereas gastric emptying is known to be predominantly a pulsatile phenomenon. In healthy subjects perceptions of appetite, such as hunger, are inversely related to antral area and content; hence, changes in intragastric meal distribution induced by posture may affect appetite. Gastric emptying is a major determinant of postprandial glycemia. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of posture on patterns of transpyloric flow (TF), gastric emptying (GE), antral area (AA), hunger, and the glycemic response to oral glucose. Eight healthy young subjects (five males, three females; mean age, 24.0 +/- 2.4 years; BMI, 21.2 +/- 0.6 kg/m2) were studied twice in random order, once in the sitting position and once in the lying (supine) position. After consuming 600 ml water with 75 g glucose, labeled with 20 MBq 99mTc-sulfur colloid, subjects had simultaneous measurements of (i) TF during consumption of the drink by Doppler ultrasonography, (ii) GE with scintigraphy, (iii) AA at t = -5 and t = 30 min by ultrasonography, and (iv) perceptions of appetite with a visual analogue scale. During drink ingestion TF was greater in the sitting, compared with the lying, position (586 +/- 170 vs. 177 +/- 65 [cm/sec] x sec; P < 0.05). Posture affected intragastric distribution; more of the drink was retained in the distal stomach in the sitting position (e.g., at 30 min: sitting, 29 +/- 3%, vs. lying, 12 +/- 3%; P < 0.0001) but had no effect on the overall rate of GE or the blood glucose response. AA at t = 30 min (P < 0.005) was greater in the sitting position; there was an inverse relationship between hunger and AA at 30 min (r = -0.53, P < 0.05). We conclude that posture influences initial TF and intragastric distribution, but not the overall rate of GE of, or the glycemic response to, a large-volume nutrient liquid. The increases in AA and content in the sitting position are associated with a reduction in hunger.

Differences in the Peripheral Levels of ??-endorphin in Response to Alcohol and Stress as a Function of Alcohol Dependence and Family History of Alcoholism

BACKGROUND

Evidence indicates that both genetic and environmental factors, such as stress, may play an important role for the development of alcoholism, while beta-endorphin may be implicated in the control of alcohol consumption. The objective of the present studies was to test the hypothesis that there are differences in the response of the pituitary beta-endorphin system to stress as a function of family history of alcoholism and alcohol dependence.

METHODS

The response of the pituitary beta-endorphin to a placebo or an alcohol (0.50 g ethanol/kg) drink and to a stress task performed 30 min following ingestion of either the placebo or the alcohol drink was measured in social and heavy drinkers with [high risk (HR)] and without [low risk (LR)] a family history of alcoholism. Thus, each subject participated in 4 experimental sessions given on different days in a randomized order. Four groups of subjects were investigated: 1) low risk nonalcoholics (LRNA); 2) high risk nonalcoholics (HRNA), 3) low risk alcoholics (LRA); and 4) high risk alcoholics (HRA). Plasma beta-endorphin was estimated prior to and for 3.5 hr post-stress. Changes in the concentration of plasma beta-endorphin following ingestion of either the placebo or alcohol drink without performance of the stress task served as controls to compare the stress-induced changes.

RESULTS

Basal plasma beta-endorphin levels were higher in LRNA than LRA, HRNA and HRA participants, while basal plasma beta-endorphin levels were higher in LRA than those in HRNA and HRA participants. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the plasma beta-endorphin levels between HRNA and HRA participants. Stress, induced a significant increase in plasma beta-endorphin concentration in all four groups of participants. However, the stress-induced increase in plasma beta-endorphin levels was more pronounced in LRNA than HRNA, LRA and HRA participants. Thus, alcohol dependence decreased the basal plasma beta-endorphin levels in LR only, as well as the stress induced increase in plasma beta-endorphin levels of participants without, but not of those with, a family history of alcoholism. Alcohol prior to stress attenuated the stress-induced increase in plasma beta-endorphin levels of all four groups of participants.

CONCLUSIONS

The present data indicates that there are differences in both, the basal plasma beta-endorphin levels as well as the response of the pituitary beta-endorphin to stress as a function of family history of alcoholism and alcohol dependence. Thus, in HR individuals a dysfunction in the activity of the pituitary beta-endorphin system predates the development of alcoholism, while in LR individuals it develops following alcohol dependence. Furthermore, alcohol dependence did not alter the alcohol-induced attenuation of beta-endorphin response to stress.

Relationships between gastric accommodation and gastrointestinal sensations in healthy volunteers. A study using the barostat technique and two- and three-dimensional ultrasonography

The origin of postprandial gastrointestinal sensations and their relation to gastric accommodation remain unclear. Our aim was to investigate the relation between antral and fundal accommodation and sensations. (A) In eight healthy volunteers fundus accommodation was measured using a barostat after a 200-ml (300-kcal) liquid nutrient. Antral area (AA) was measured using ultrasound. Data on bag volumes, AA, and sensations were assessed. (B) In another eight healthy volunteers gastric volume was measured after a 500-ml (300-kcal) liquid nutrient using 2-D/3-D ultrasound. Sensations were scored using VAS. Distal and proximal volumes were calculated from 3-D datasets. (A) Fullness was correlated with AA (r = 0.48, P = 0.002). Fullness and bag volume were not correlated. (B) Fullness was correlated with AA (r = 0.77, P < 0.001) and distal volume (r = 0.75, P < 0.001). Proximal volume was not correlated with fullness (r = 0.10, P = NS). We conclude that fullness is related to antral volume and area rather than proximal volume. The gastric antrum may play a key role in normal appetite regulation.

Localization of Na+-HCO-3 cotransporter (NBC-1) variants in rat and human pancreas

Mutations in Na(+)-HCO(3)(-) cotransporter (NBC-1) cause proximal renal tubular acidosis (pRTA) associated with ocular abnormalities. One pRTA patient had increased serum amylase, suggesting possible evidence of pancreatitis. To further delineate a link between NBC-1 inactivation and pancreatic dysfunction, immunohistochemical analysis was performed on rat and human pancreas using antibodies against kidney-type (kNBC-1) and pancreatic-type (pNBC-1) transporters. In rat pancreas, the anti-pNBC-1 antibody labeled acinar cells and both apical and basolateral membranes of medium and large duct cells. In human pancreas, on the other hand, the anti-pNBC-1 antibody did not label acinar cells, although it did label the basolateral membranes of the entire duct system. The labeling by anti-kNBC-1 antibody was detected in only a limited number of rat pancreatic duct cells. To examine the effects of pRTA-related mutations, R342S and R554H, on pNBC-1 function, we performed functional analysis and found that both mutants had reduced transport activities compared with the wild-type pNBC-1. These results indicate that pNBC-1 is the predominant variant that mediates basolateral HCO(3)(-) uptake into duct cells in both rat and human pancreas. The loss of pNBC-1 function is predicted to have significant impact on overall ductal HCO(3)(-) secretion, which could potentially lead to pancreatic dysfunction.

Basolateral phosphate transport in renal proximal-tubule-like OK cells

It is generally assumed that phosphate (Pi) effluxes from proximal tubule cells by passive diffusion across the basolateral (BL) membrane. We explored the mechanism of BL Pi efflux in proximal tubule-like OK cells grown on permeable filters and then loaded with 32P. BL efflux of 32P was significantly stimulated (P < 0.05) by exposing the BL side of the monolayer to 12.5 mM Pi, to 10 mM citrate, or by acid-loading the cells, and was inhibited by exposure to 0.05 mM Pi or 25 mM HCO3; by contrast, BL exposure to high (8.4) pH, 40 mM K+, 140 mM Na gluconate (replacing NaCl), 10 mM lactate, 10 mM succinate, or 10 mM glutamate did not affect BL 32P efflux. These data are consistent with BL Pi efflux from proximal tubule-like cells occurring, in part, via an electro-neutral sodium-sensitive anion transporter capable of exchanging two moles of intracellular acidic H2PO4- for each mole of extracellular basic HPO4= or for citrate.

Biochemical aspects in autism spectrum disorders: updating the opioid-excess theory and presenting new opportunities for biomedical intervention

Autism is a lifelong condition usually described as affecting social, cognitive and imaginative abilities. For many years, parents and some professionals have observed that in concordance with the behavioural and psychological symptoms of the condition, there are a number of physiological and biochemical correlates which may also be of relevance to the syndrome. One area of interest that encompasses many of these observations is the opioid-excess theory of autism. The main premise of this theory is that autism is the result of a metabolic disorder. Peptides with opioid activity derived from dietary sources, in particular foods that contain gluten and casein, pass through an abnormally permeable intestinal membrane and enter the central nervous system (CNS) to exert an effect on neurotransmission, as well as producing other physiologically-based symptoms. Numerous parents and professionals worldwide have found that removal of these exogenously derived compounds through exclusion diets can produce some amelioration in autistic and related behaviours. There is a surprisingly long history of research accompanying these ideas. The aim of this paper is to review the accompanying evidence in support of this theory and present new directions of intervention as a result of it.

Adenosine inhibits the transfected Na+-H+ exchanger NHE3 in Xenopus laevis renal epithelial cells (A6/C1)

1. Adenosine influences the vectorial transport of Na+ and HCO3- across kidney epithelial cells. However, its action on effector proteins, such as the Na+-H+ exchanger NHE3, an epithelial brush border isoform of the Na+-H+ exchanger (NHE) gene family, is not yet defined. 2. The present study was conducted in Xenopus laevis distal nephron A6 epithelia which express both an apical adenosine receptor of the A1 type (coupled to protein kinase C (PKC)) and a basolateral receptor of the A2 type (coupled to protein kinase A (PKA)). The untransfected A6 cell line expresses a single NHE type (XNHE) which is restricted to the basolateral membrane and which is activated by PKA. 3. A6 cell lines were generated which express exogenous rat NHE3. Measurements of side-specific pHi recovery from acid loads in the presence of HOE694 (an inhibitor with differential potency towards individual NHE isoforms) detected an apical resistant Na+-H+ exchange only in transfected cell lines. The sensitivity of the basolateral NHE to HOE694 was unchanged, suggesting that exogenous NHE3 was restricted to the apical membrane. 4. Stimulation of the apical A1 receptor with N 6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) inhibited both apical NHE3 and basolateral XNHE. These effects were mimicked by the addition of the protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and partially prevented by the PKC inhibitor calphostin C which also blocked the effect of PMA. 5. Stimulation of the basolateral A2 receptor with CPA inhibited apical NHE3 and stimulated basolateral XNHE. These effects were mimicked by 8-bromo-cAMP and partially prevented by the PKA inhibitor H89 which entirely blocked the effect of 8-bromo-cAMP. 6. In conclusion, CPA inhibits rat NHE3 expressed apically in A6 epithelia via both the apical PKC-coupled A1 and the basolateral PKA-coupled A2 adenosine receptors.

Expression of transfected human Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE-1) in the the basolateral membrane of opossum kidney cells

Some epithelial cells have Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) activity in both apical and basolateral membranes. Amiloride-sensitive NHE-1 is generally identified in the basolateral membrane. The renal cell line, OK7a, targets amiloride-resistant NHE predominantly to the apical membrane. It is controversial whether the transfected NHE-1 is targeted preferentially to the basolateral membrane in OK7a cells, when human NHE-1 is chronically expressed under control of constitutively active promoters. We tried to identify the membranes in which the transfected human NHE-1 could be detected following acute expression in OK7a cells. We have always observed small Na(+)-dependent pH recovery in the basolateral membrane in OK7a cells. It is, however, controversial whether or not OK7a cells express NHE activity in the basolateral membrane. We also characterized Na(+)-dependent pH recovery in the basolateral membrane. It was not inhibited by [4,4'diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid] (DIDS), [4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid] (SITS), or contralateral amiloride. Li+ but not K+, chol+, or NMG+ could replace Na+. These results are consistent with the presence of the NHE in the basolateral membrane. NHE activities were predominant in the apical membrane and those in both membranes were resistant to amiloride analogs. After stable transfection with human NHE-1 in a vector utilizing the metallothionein promoter, overnight induction with Zn(2+)increased the NHE activity and its sensitivity to amiloride only in the basolateral membrane in OK7a cells. We conclude that the transfected human NHE-1 is exclusively targeted to the basolateral membrane of OK7a cells during acute induction.

Hormonal regulation of appetite and food intake

Several clinical disorders are strongly influenced by hormones involved in appetite and weight regulation. Obesity and eating disorders are of major importance, because they are associated with severe morbidity and considered to be among the greatest health problems in the Western world today. This review describes recent findings in hormonal regulation of food intake by substances acting both centrally, such as corticotropin-releasing factor, neuropeptide Y and leptin, and peripherally, such as cholecystokinin and somatostatin. Sex hormones and glucocorticoids play an important role in long-term regulation of metabolism. The role of these hormones in appetite and weight changes during life as well as during pregnancy and lactation is discussed. Furthermore, the development of obesity and eating disorders is influenced, in particular, by steroid hormones. Treatment with sex hormones, as in hormone replacement therapy, affects appetite and weight and may have beneficial effects in preventing android obesity. Currently, there is great effort in developing endogenous neurohumoral substances into effective drugs for the treatment of obesity and eating disorders. Leptin and neuropeptide Y analogues are of interest as potential antiobesity agents.

Inhibition of lipid absorption as an approach to the treatment of obesity

A reduction in fat intake may be achieved by making educated choices to reduce total calorie intake, to consume a lower quantity of total fats, or to modify the ratio of saturated-to-polyunsaturated lipids. Leptin agonists or NPY or CCK antagonists may prove to be useful to diminish appetite and thereby reduce the total intake of food. But eating has such cultural, social, and hedonistic attributes that such a single-pronged approach is unlikely to be successful. The use of fat substitutes may prove to be popular to provide a wide range of snack food options, but these are likely to be of minimal use in weight reduction programs because of their distribution of additives in only a limited number of foods. The inhibitors of lipid digestion will be modestly successful in the short term; their long-term success will be influenced by gastrointestinal adverse effects and the need to consume fat-soluble vitamin supplements to prevent the development of fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies. The inhibition of lipid absorption is an attractive targeted approach for the treatment of obesity, since this would reduce the uptake of visible as well as invisible fats, which would potentially offer convenient dosing, and could also be a means to inhibit secondarily the uptake of carbohydrate calories.

The controls of fat intake

OBJECTIVE

To present evidence on the control of the size of fatty meals in the context of the result of interactions of orosensory positive-feedback and postingestive negative-feedback mechanisms activated by fat stimuli in rodent models of feeding and of obesity.

METHOD

We examined the effects of orosensory stimuli and postingestive stimuli in Sprague-Dawley rats, and in the genetically obese Zucker (fa/fa) rat. We used the sham feeding rat preparation to isolate the orosensory stimulating and postingestive satiating properties of oils. The negative-feedback satiating properties of fats were elicited by intestinal infusions of fats. The Zucker rat is an animal model of obesity with abnormal control of meal size and increased intake of fats. Using this model we further examined the interaction of orosensory and postingestive stimuli in the control of meal size.

RESULTS

The orosensory properties of fats are sufficient to drive sham feeding and are not dependent on the postabsorptive metabolic consequences of oils in normal and Zucker rats. The satiating action of fats must act at preabsorptive sites because reduction of intake occurs before absorption of fat. The satiating potency of fats is dependent upon their specific chemical conformation and is mediated by endogenous cholecystokinin and afferent fibers of the abdominal vagus. We have found that oils produce significantly more orosensory positive feedback in obese Zucker rats than in lean rats in experimental tests of preference. This is probably the major abnormal mechanism responsible for the increased preference for fats that is characteristic of obese rats because we have not identified any significant decrease in the postingestive satiating potency of fats in obese Zucker rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Fat intake is controlled by both orosensory and postingestive stimuli in normal and genetically obese rodents. In the Zucker rat the investigation of this model of genetic obesity has produced data that is congruent with the preference for high fat foods in obese people and suggests further experiments directed toward a deeper understanding of the controls of fat intake and how they are disordered.

Characterization of plasma membrane Na+/H+ exchange in eel (Anguilla anguilla) intestinal epithelial cells

The ability of eel intestinal epithelial cells to recover from an acute acid load was analysed using the fluorescent dye 2',7'-bis-carboxy-ethyl-5,6-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) and cell suspensions. Under these experimental conditions (bicarbonate-free solutions) the resting pHi in cells prepared from sea-water (7.52 +/- 0.031) and fresh-water (7.50 +/- 0.094) adapted animals proved to be similar. The recovery rate (following an acid load) increases by increasing the Na ion concentration in the extracellular medium. This pHi recovery is competitively inhibited by the specific inhibitor dimethylamiloride (DMA) with a low Ki in sea- (1.2 microM) as well as in fresh-water (1.3 microM) adapted animals, indicating the presence of a specific Na/H exchange activity in these cells. Using basolateral membrane vesicles it could be demonstrated that this activity is located on the basolateral side of the enterocyte membrane. The kinetic parameters (Kapp and Jmax) of this exchanger are similar in fresh-water and sea-water adapted animals suggesting that no salinity adaptation occurs, thus excluding the involvement of the antiporter in the osmoregulatory processes. These results are in agreement with the presence in the plasma membrane of the eel enterocytes of a Na/H-1 (housekeeper) form of the antiporter.

Glutamate efflux via the reversal of the sodium-dependent glutamate transporter caused by glycolytic inhibition in rat cultured astrocytes

[3H]L-Glutamate uptake in cultured rat astrocytes was completely reduced by 30 min preincubation with 1 mM of iodoacetic acid, a glycolytic inhibitor. This treatment significantly reduced the energy charge potential, but did not cause membrane destruction in the cultured astrocytes. To examine the effect of iodoacetic acid on the glutamate release, [3H]L-glutamate was preloaded into astrocytes in the presence of methionine sulfoximine, a glutamine synthetase inhibitor, and the total intracellular radioactivity was measured after 30-min treatment with 1 mM iodoacetic acid for comparison with non-treated astrocytes. During the treatment, about 40% of the total intracellular glutamate content was effluxed. This efflux could be decreased by reducing the extracellular potassium ion concentration. The intracellular sodium concentration, measured with a sodium ion-sensitive fluorescent probe (sodium-binding benzofuran isophtalate), gradually increased to 30 mM on addition of 1 mM iodoacetic acid. These results indicate that the glutamate efflux via reversal of the Na(+)-dependent transporter occurred during glycolytic inhibition, and which may be caused by intracellular Na+ overload. Such an iodoacetic acid-induced Na+ overload could be completely diminished by pretreatment with 1 microM 5-[N- ethyl-N-isopropyl]amiloride, a selective Na(+)-H+ antiporter inhibitor, but even this did not stop the iodoacetic acid-induced glutamate efflux. The intracellular pH, measured by a pH-sensitive fluorescent probe [2',7'-bis(carboxyethy)-5,6-carboxy-fluorescein], was gradually decreased to 7.1 by the iodoacetic acid treatment. On the other hand, iodoacetic acid-induced intracellular acidosis was more rapid and severe in the presence of 5-[N-ethyl-N-isopropyl]amiloride. These results suggest that the reversal of the Na+-dependent glutamate transporter may be caused by not only intracellular Na+ overload but also intracellular acidosis.

Rapid computerized analysis of Na+/H+ exchange flux

The regulation of intracellular pH (pHi) is mediated by membrane transporters whose activity is directly controlled by pHi. Therefore, transport rates must be compared at identical pHi values in functional studies of these transporters. This is conventionally performed using scatter plots showing initial rates of proton flux versus intracellular pH. We present justification for determining proton flux over a wide range of pHi, by digitally smoothing a pHi trace and then directly taking the first derivative versus time of smoothed data. Compared to conventional least-squares analysis of initial rates, the derivative method generates much more information per experiment. Compared to other methods which fit pHi traces to a defined equation prior to rate calculation, the new method does not require that the pHi trace be well fit by any given mathematical function. The derivative technique is illustrated in an analysis of Na+/H+ exchange in Caco-2 cells. Intracellular pH is measured fluorometrically in cells loaded with BCECF (2',7'-bis[2-carboxyethyl]-5-(and-6)carboxyfluorescein). To validate the analysis of Na+/H+ exchange over an extended time range, we demonstrate that cellular acidification with NH4Cl does not change steady state Na+ content. We find that proton flux rates analyzed by the derivative method are equivalent to initial rates measured by least-squares analysis.

Na/H exchange activities in NHE1-transfected OK-cells: cell polarity and regulation

The human fibroblast, "amiloride-sensitive" Na/H exchanger (NHE1) was transfected into opossum kidney cells (OK cells) (OK/NHE1 cells). Northern blot analysis confirmed that the NHE1 message is expressed in OK/NHE1 cells. In immunoblot analysis, an anti-human NHE1 antibody labelled a membrane protein only present in OK/NHE1 cells. In contrast to the parental cell line containing only an apically located, "amiloride-resistant" Na/H exchange activity, OK/NHE1 cells contain apically and basolaterally located Na/H exchange activities, the apical activity being "amiloride resistant" and the basolateral being "amiloride sensitive". Parathyroid hormone (PTH) inhibited apical transport activity (OK and OK/NHE1 cells) but had no effect on basolateral transport activity (OK/NHE1 cells). Pharmacological activation of protein kinase A (forskolin) decreased both apical and basolateral Na/H exchange activity. Incubation with phorbol ester (exogenous activation of protein kinase C) reduced apical Na/H exchange activity (OK and OK/NHE1 cells) but had only a moderate, inhibitory effect on basolateral Na/H exchange activity (OK/NHE1 cells). These results indicate that transfection of OK cells with human fibroblast NHE1 cDNA encoding an "amiloride-sensitive" form of the Na/H exchanger results in expression of basolaterally located "NHE1-related" transport activity. Regulatory control of intracellular Na/H exchange activities (apically versus basolaterally located) and intercellular Na/H exchange activities (NHE1-related) differs. This may relate to cell-specific properties as well as to exchanger-specific properties.

Rapid stimulation of Na+/H+ exchange by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3; interaction with parathyroid-hormone-dependent inhibition

We have examined the rapid effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] on apical Na+/H+ exchange activity in opossum kidney (OK) cells and in MCT cells (a culture of simian-virus-40-immortalized mouse cortical tubule cells) grown on filter support. Addition of 1,25(OH)2D3 (10 nM) for 1 min increased apical Na+/H+ exchange activity [recovery from an acid load; measured by 2',7'-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein] in OK cells (by 56%) and in MCT cells (by 36%). The cellular mechanisms involved in 1,25(OH)2D3-dependent stimulation of Na+/H+ exchange were analysed in OK cells; stimulation of Na+/H+ exchange by 1,25(OH)2D3 was not prevented by actinomycin D. Applying parathyroid hormone (PTH) reduced Na+/H+ exchange activity in OK cells (by 34% at 10 nM, 5 min); 1,25(OH)2D3 "reversed" PTH-induced inhibition, either when PTH was added prior to 1,25(OH)2D3 or when the two agonists were applied together. 1,25(OH)2D3 had no effect on basal OK cell cAMP content or on [Ca2+]i (fura-2). 1,25(OH)2D3 attenuated PTH-induced cAMP accumulation and had no effect on the PTH-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i. These data suggest a regulatory control (stimulation) of proximal tubular brush-border Na+/H+ exchange by 1,25(OH)2D3. This effect is non-genomic and might in part be explained by a release from cAMP-dependent control of transport activity.

Na(+)-dependent and -independent Cl-/HCO3- exchangers in cultured rabbit esophageal epithelial cells

BACKGROUND

The mechanisms by which esophageal epithelial cells regulate intracellular pH (pHi) in a physiological solution are unknown.

METHODS

Basal-type esophageal cells growing in primary culture were loaded with the fluorescent dye 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) to study pHi by microfluorimetry.

RESULTS

The pHi in HEPES buffer was 7.7 +/- 0.03, a value higher than that in CO2/HCO3- buffer, 7.2 +/- 0.1. Cells in HEPES switched to CO2/HCO3- buffer rapidly acidified to pHi of 7, then alkalinized to a new steady-state pHi. The mechanisms for alkalinization in CO2/HCO3- were dependent on two exchangers, one amiloride-sensitive and the other 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS)-sensitive, the latter dependent on Nao and Cli, and so indicative of an Na(+)-dependent Cl-/HCO3- exchanger. Cells in a CO2/HCO3- buffer rapidly alkalinized to pH 8.2 when switched to HEPES, then acidified to a new steady-state pHi. Acidification in HEPES was largely caused by a DIDS-sensitive, Clo-dependent, non-Nao-requiring mechanism, indicative of a cell-acidifying Na-independent Cl-/HCO3- exchanger.

CONCLUSIONS

In a physiological buffer, esophageal cells have at least three exchangers for regulation of pHi.

Studies of pHi in rabbit esophageal basal and squamous epithelial cells in culture

Rabbit esophageal epithelium grown in primary culture enabled the study of intracellular pH (pHi) regulation at two distinct stages in the life cycle of the epithelial cell: basal and mature squamous. pHi was measured in single basal and mature squamous cells after loading with the fluorescent probe 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(and -6)carboxyfluorescein at 25 degrees C in a nominally bicarbonate-free HEPES buffer. The results revealed that the resting pHi was higher and the intrinsic buffer capacity lower (at pH values less than or equal to 7.6) in basal compared with mature squamous cells. In addition, both types recovered from an acid load (NH4Cl prepulse) by an Na(+)-dependent, amiloride-inhibitable process consistent with an Na+/H+ antiporter. However, hydrogen ion extrusion rates by the Na+/H+ antiporter, even after taking into account buffer capacity and acid loading, were two to four times as fast for basal as for mature squamous cells. Further, mature squamous cell but not basal cell recovery from an acid load deteriorated with time (3 weeks) in culture. These results establish the use of primary cultures for studying pHi regulation at different stages in the epithelial cell life cycle and document that basal and mature squamous cells show Na+/H+ antiport activity for extrusion of an acid load but that this activity diminishes in effectiveness as the cell matures.

Characterization of basolateral Na/H exchange (Na/H-1) in MDCK cells

MDCK cells were grown to confluent monolayers on permeant filter supports; pH was analysed by using the pH-sensitive fluorescent probe 2'7'-biscarboxyethyl-5,6-carboxyfluorescein and a routine spectrofluorometer equipped with a perfusion cuvette [Krayer-Pawlowska et al. (1990) J Membr Biol 120:173-183]. Superfusion of the basolateral (but not apical) cell surface with Na(+)-containing solutions led to immediate recovery of pHi from an acid load (NH4 prepulse). This pHi recovery was reversibly inhibited by ethylisopropylamiloride indicating Na/H exchange activity. Na/H exchange activity showed an apparent Km for Na+ of about 25 nM Na+ and an apparent Ki for inhibition by dimethylamiloride of around 0.2 microM; inhibition by dimethylamiloride was competitive with Na+ interaction. Lowering pHi prior to analysis of Na/H exchange leads to sharp activation of Na/H exchange; the apparent Vmax for Na/H exchange is increased more than tenfold by lowering the pHi from 7.0 to 6.7 without an effect on apparent Km values for Na+ interaction. It is concluded that MDCK cells (strain I) grown on a permeant support contain only basolateral Na/H exchange activity, most likely Na/H-1 [for nomenclature see Igarashi et al. (1991) Kidney Int 40:S84-S89].

Polarized expression of Na+/H+ exchange activity in LLC-PK1/PKE20 cells: II. Hormonal regulation

LLC-PK1/PKE20 cells (a continuous epithelial cell line) has two different Na/H exchange activities: Na/H-1 located in the basolateral membrane and Na/H-2 located in the apical membrane [Casavola et al. (1989) Biochem Biophys Res Commun 165:833-837; Haggerty et al. (1988) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 86:6797-6801]. In the present report we have studied hormone regulation of these exchange activities by measuring Na-dependent recovery of pHi from an acid load (by using microspectrofluorometry and 2,7-bis(carboxyethyl)-5,6-carboxyfluorescein) in response to activation of regulatory cascades by either pharmacological agents or by vasopressin or calcitonin. Agents leading to activation of protein kinase A (cAMP-dependent), such as forskolin (10 microM), 8-Br-cAMP (0.25 mM), and isobutylmethylxanthine (0.5 mM), inhibited Na/H-2 and Na/H-1 by an average of 49%. Stimulation of protein kinase C by a phorbol ester (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, TPA, 100 nM) inhibited Na/H-2 (by an average of 48%) and stimulated Na/H-1 (by an average of 38%); these effects of TPA were also observed in the presence of forskolin (100 microM). Addition of either vasopressin (2 microM) or calcitonin (0.3 microM) onto both sides of the monolayer decreased the activity of Na/H-2 by an average of 26.3% and 27.7% respectively, and stimulated the activity of Na/H-1 by an average of 17.4% and 38.7% respectively; exposure of cells to either hormone stimulated production of cAMP and inositol trisphosphate, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Influence of extracellular pH and perfusion rate on Na+/H+ exchange in cultured opossum kidney cells

Studies were undertaken in cultured opossum kidney (OK) cells to determine whether the rate of H+ secretion by apical membrane Na+/H+ exchange is modulated by changes in extracellular pH or perfusion rate. H+ secretion was assessed in single cells by measuring the rate of Na(+)-dependent intracellular pH recovery after NH4Cl loading, using the pH-sensitive fluorescent dye, 2'7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5,6-carboxyfluorescein, in monolayers mounted to allow independent perfusion of the apical and basolateral surfaces. At constant intracellular pH, Na(+)-dependent H+ secretion was found to be inversely related to extracellular H+ activity, and directly related to the perfusate flow rate. Inhibition of H+ secretion by perfusate acidity occurred immediately and was greater when perfusate Na+ was reduced, consistent with H+ competition with Na+ for binding to the transporter. By contrast, the effect of the perfusion rate was a delayed response, requiring 20 min of exposure, and was independent of perfusate Na+ concentration. The results indicate that both extracellular pH and the perfusion rate modulate H+ secretion by OK cells, and that the two effects are independent.

Polarized expression of Na+/H+ exchange activities in clonal LLC-PK1 cells (Clone4 and PKE20) I. Basic characterization

We have analysed the mechanisms of Na(+)-dependent pHi recovery from an acid load in LLC-PK1/Clone4 and LLC-PK1/PKE20 cells by using the intracellular pH indicator 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5,6-carboxyfluorescein acetoxymethyl ester. By analysis using single-cell microspectrofluorometry, we obtained evidence for polarized expression of Na+/H+ exchange activities with different properties in apical and basolateral cell surfaces, respectively. In Clone4 cells, Na+/H+ exchange activity is only visible on the basolateral cell surface; in PKE20 cells, Na+/H+ exchange activities with equal capacities are present on both cell surfaces. In Clone4 cells, the apparent Km value for Na+ is around 10 mM; in PKE20 cells it is around 20 mM and indistinguishable for the two cell poles. Ethylisopropylamiloride (EIPA) inhibition for all three activities measured in monolayer configuration is reduced by increasing Na+ concentration. Measured in the same cells, EIPA inhibition of transport of PKE20 cells is weaker for apical Na+/H+ exchange as compared to basolateral activity. In Clone4 and PKE20 cells kept in suspension, Na+/H+ exchange activities with similar properties for the two cell lines are observed. However, Na+/H+ exchange activities in cells in suspension are different from either activity measured in monolayer configuration: affinity for Na+ is higher (PKE20 cells) and inhibition by amiloride is weak and not influenced by increasing Na+ concentrations (PKE20 and Clone4 cells). It is concluded that PKE20 cells contain different Na+/H+ exchange activities on the two cell surfaces; this cell line should be a useful model to study regulatory aspect of different Na+/H+ exchange functions ("epithelial'/"housekeeping').(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Studies on the kinetics of Na+/H+ exchange in OK cells: introduction of a new device for the analysis of polarized transport in cultured epithelia

The present study describes a new perfusion technique--based on the use of a routine spectrofluorometer--which enables fluorometric evaluation of polarity, regulation and kinetics of Na+/H+ exchange at the level of an intact monolayer. Na+/H+ exchange was evaluated in bicarbonate-free solutions in OK (opossum kidney) cells, a renal epithelial cell line. Na+/H+ exchange activity was measured by monitoring changes in intracellular pH (pHi) after an acid load, using the pH-sensitive dye 2'7'-bis (carboxyethyl) 5-6-carboxy-fluorescein (BCECF). Initial experiments indicated that OK cells grown on a permeable support had access to apical and basolateral perfusion media. They also demonstrate that OK cells express an apical pHi recovery mechanism, which is Na+ dependent, ethylisopropylamiloride (EIPA) sensitive and regulated by PTH. Compared to resting conditions (pHi = 7.68; pHo = 7.4) where Na+/H+ exchange is not detectable, transport rate increased as pHi decreased. A positive cooperativity characterized the interaction of internal H+ with the exchanger, and suggests multiple H+ binding sites. In contrast, extracellular [Na+] increased transport with simple Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The apparent affinity of the exchanger for Na+ was 19 mM at an intracellular pH of 7.1 and 60 mM at an intracellular pH of 6.6. Inhibition of Na+/H+ exchange activity by EIPA was competitive with respect to extracellular [Na+] and the Ki was 3.4 microM. In conclusion, the technique used in the present study is well suited for determination of mechanisms involved in control of epithelial cell pHi and processes associated with their polarized expression and regulation.

Parathyroid hormone regulation of Na+/H+ exchange in opossum kidney cells: polarity and mechanisms

In previous work we have shown that parathyroid hormone (PTH) inhibits Na+/H+ exchange in cellular suspensions of OK (opossum kidney) cells (an established renal epithelial cell line) in a dose-dependent manner. PTH effects could be mimicked by pharmacological activation of both protein kinase A and protein kinase C (Helmle-Kolb et al. 1990). In the present paper we extend these observations and analyze the PTH-dependent control of Na+/H+ exchange in OK cells kept in epithelial configuration (monolayer). Na+/H+ exchange activity is examined by microfluorometry using the intracellularly trapped pH-sensitive dye 2'7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5,6-carboxyfluorescein. Cells recovered from an acid load (NH4Cl prepulse) after addition of apical Na+. Ethylisopropylamiloride inhibits Na(+)-dependent pHi recovery at micromolar concentrations. PTH leads to an inhibition of apical Na+/H+ exchange activity; inhibition is observed even at a concentration of 5 pM PTH. PTH given at maximally effective concentrations (24 nM) reduces the total Na+/H+ exchange capacity by 60%-70%. Apical as well as basolateral hormone additions elicit an inhibitory response at low (5 pM) or high (24 nM) concentrations. Forskolin (activation of protein kinase A) and phorbol esters (activation of protein kinase C) lead to an inhibition of Na+/H+ exchange activity (60%-70% inhibition). These observations suggest that Na+/H+ exchange activity is preferentially located in the apical membranes of OK cells kept in monolayer configuration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)