Rectification of whole cell cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator chloride current

Synchrotron radiation circular dichroism spectroscopy reveals that gold and silver nanoparticles modify the secondary structure of a lung surfactant protein B analogue

Inhaled nanoparticles (NPs) depositing in the alveolar region of the lung interact initially with a surfactant layer and in vitro studies have demonstrated that NPs can adversely affect the biophysical function of model pulmonary surfactants (PS), of which surfactant protein B (SP-B) is a key component. Other studies have demonstrated the potential for NPs to modify the structure and function of proteins. It was therefore hypothesised that NPs may affect the biophysical function of PS by modifying the structure of SP-B. Synchrotron radiation circular dichroism (SRCD) spectroscopy was used to explore the effect of various concentrations of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) (5, 10, 20 nm), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) (10 nm) and silver citrate on the secondary structure of surfactant protein B analogue, SP-B_1-25, in a TFE/PB dispersion. For Au and Ag NPs the SRCD spectra indicated a concentration dependent reduction in the α-helical structure of SP-B_1-25 (5 nm AuNP ≈ 10 nm AgNP ≫ 10 nm AuNP > 20 nm AuNP). For AuNPs the effect was greater for the 5 nm size, which was not fully explained by consideration of surface area. The impact of the 10 nm AgNPs was greater than that of the 10 nm AuNPs and the effect of AgNPs was greater than that of silver citrate at equivalent Ag mass concentrations. For 10 nm AuNPs, SRCD spectra for dispersions in, the more physiologically relevant, DPPC showed a similar concentration dependent pattern. The results demonstrate the potential for inhaled NPs to modify SP-B_1-25 structure and thus potentially adversely impact the physiological function of the lung, however, further studies are necessary to confirm this.

CFTR mediated chloride secretion in the avian renal proximal tubule

In primary cell cultures of the avian (Gallus gallus) renal proximal tubule parathyroid hormone and cAMP activation generate a Cl(-)-dependent short circuit current (I(SC)) response, consistent with net transepithelial Cl(-) secretion. In this study we investigated the expression and physiological function of the Na-K-2Cl (NKCC) transporter and CFTR chloride channel, both associated with Cl(-) secretion in a variety of tissues, in these proximal tubule cells. Using both RT-PCR and immunoblotting approaches, we showed that NKCC and CFTR are expressed, both in proximal tubule primary cultures and in a proximal tubule fraction of non-cultured (native tissue) fragments. We also used electrophysiological methods to assess the functional contribution of NKCC and CFTR to forskolin-activated I(SC) responses in filter grown cultured monolayers. Bumetanide (10 μM), a specific blocker of NKCC, inhibited forskolin activated I(SC) by about 40%, suggesting that basolateral uptake of Cl(-) is partially mediated by NKCC transport. In monolayers permeabilized on the basolateral side with nystatin, forskolin activated an apical Cl(-) conductance, manifested as bidirectional diffusion currents in the presence of oppositely directed Cl(-) gradients. Under these conditions the apical conductance appeared to show some bias towards apical-to-basolateral Cl(-) current. Two selective CFTR blockers, CFTR Inhibitor 172 and GlyH-101 (both at 20 μM) inhibited the forskolin activated diffusion currents by 38-68%, with GlyH-101 having a greater effect. These data support the conclusion that avian renal proximal tubules utilize an apical CFTR Cl(-) channel to mediate cAMP-activated Cl(-) secretion.

Regulation of CFTR chloride channel macroscopic conductance by extracellular bicarbonate

The CFTR contributes to Cl⁻ and HCO₃⁻ transport across epithelial cell apical membranes. The extracellular face of CFTR is exposed to varying concentrations of Cl⁻ and HCO₃⁻ in epithelial tissues, and there is evidence that CFTR is sensitive to changes in extracellular anion concentrations. Here we present functional evidence that extracellular Cl⁻ and HCO₃⁻ regulate anion conduction in open CFTR channels. Using cell-attached and inside-out patch-clamp recordings from constitutively active mutant E1371Q-CFTR channels, we show that voltage-dependent inhibition of CFTR currents in intact cells is significantly stronger when the extracellular solution contains HCO₃⁻ than when it contains Cl⁻. This difference appears to reflect differences in the ability of extracellular HCO₃⁻ and Cl⁻ to interact with and repel intracellular blocking anions from the pore. Strong block by endogenous cytosolic anions leading to reduced CFTR channel currents in intact cells occurs at physiologically relevant HCO₃⁻ concentrations and membrane potentials and can result in up to ∼50% inhibition of current amplitude. We propose that channel block by cytosolic anions is a previously unrecognized, physiologically relevant mechanism of channel regulation that confers on CFTR channels sensitivity to different anions in the extracellular fluid. We further suggest that this anion sensitivity represents a feedback mechanism by which CFTR-dependent anion secretion could be regulated by the composition of the secretions themselves. Implications for the mechanism and regulation of CFTR-dependent secretion in epithelial tissues are discussed.

Effect of SP-B peptides on the uptake of liposomes by alveolar cells

BACKGROUND

Exogenous surfactant has been accepted worldwide as a therapy of RDS in premature and term infants. Exogenous surfactant is usually derived from lung extracts containing phospholipids and the surfactant proteins SP-B and SP-C. Synthetic peptides of SP-B and SP-C are being tested with the aim to develop a completely synthetic surfactant preparation. Nevertheless, the effects of these peptides on the endogenous surfactant metabolism remain unknown.

OBJECTIVES

The effect of synthetic SP-B peptides on uptake of surfactant-like liposomes was investigated in alveolar cells. Native SP-B and seven SP-B peptides were included: monomeric and dimeric SP-B(1-25) (Cys-11 --> Ala-11), SP-B(63-78)and Ala-SP-B(63-78) (Cys-71 --> Ala-71;Cys-77 --> Ala-77)and their serine mutants.

METHODS

In vitro, alveolar macrophages (AM) and alveolar type II cells (ATII) were incubated with liposomes containing SP-B or one of its peptides. In vivo, rats received intratracheally various SP-B peptides (SP-B/lipid ratio 1:33 w/w) incorporated in fluorescent surfactant-like liposomes. One hour after instillation, AM and ATII were isolated and cell-associated fluorescence was determined using flow cytometry. Confocal laser microscopy was performed to ensure internalization of the liposomes.

RESULTS

In vitro uptake by AM or ATII was not influenced by the SP-B peptides. In vivo, SP-B(1-25) and Ser-SP-B(1-25) increased the uptake by AM whereas dSP-B(1-25) decreased the uptake. Neither SP-B(1-25) nor dSP-B(1-25 )affected total uptake by ATII. The overall uptake by SP-B(63-78) variants was not changed.

CONCLUSIONS

Surface-active synthetic SP-B peptides do not interfere with the normal uptake of surfactant by ATII.

Surfactant-associated protein B kinetics in vivo in newborn infants by stable isotopes

Surfactant-associated protein B (SP-B) is critical to the biophysical function of pulmonary surfactant. No information is available on SP-B synthesis and kinetics in humans. We administered a 24-h i.v. infusion of 13C-valine as metabolic precursor of SP-B to six newborn infants (weight 3.5+/-0.5 kg; age 12 d, range 1-43 d). Three of the study infants also received i.v. 2H-palmitate to label surfactant disaturated phosphatidylcholine (DSPC). SP-B and DSPC were isolated from tracheal aspirates, and their respective 13C and 2H enrichments were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. SP-B kinetics was measured successfully in all six infants. SP-B median (range) fractional synthesis rate was 30% per day (20-78% per day), secretion time was 4.5 h (1-9 h), time to peak was 24 h (12-36 h), and half-life was 21 h (8-35 h). The ascending part of the SP-B kinetic curve was similar to the DSPC curve, suggesting similar secretion pathways. SP-B half-life seemed to be shorter than DSPC half-life. These results agree with existing animal data. We conclude that the measurement of SP-B kinetics is feasible in vivo in humans by stable isotope technology.

Circadian rhythm of protein C in human plasma--useful marker of autonomic function in liver

We have demonstrated changes in the circadian rhythm of plasma protein C levels in patients with autonomic dysfunction and liver-transplanted patients, compared with that in healthy volunteers. The circadian rhythm of protein C serves as a useful marker to screen for autonomic dysfunction in the liver.

Glucoregulation During Exercise

Under normal healthy conditions, exercise initiates simultaneous elevations in hepatic glucose production (glucose R(a)) and glucose utilisation. As a result, circulating glucose levels are maintained at a relatively constant level. This relatively simple and effective relationship between the liver and the skeletal muscle is maintained by a complex interplay of circulating and locally released neuroendocrine controllers. In large part, exercise-induced changes in the pancreatic secretion of glucagon and insulin are primarily responsible for the stimulation of glucose R(a) during moderate exercise. However, exercise imposed on an additional metabolic stress (heavy exercise and poorly controlled diabetes mellitus) can increase sympathetic drive and has been suggested for decades to play a significant role in glucoregulation. In addition, blood-borne feedback and afferent reflex mechanisms may further modulate the glucose R(a) response to exercise. This article discusses new findings from novel animal and human experiments specifically designed to examine the regulatory components of the neuroendocrine system and their influence on glucoregulation during exercise.

Attenuated outward potassium currents in carotid body glomus cells of heart failure rabbit: involvement of nitric oxide

It has been shown that peripheral chemoreceptor sensitivity is enhanced in both clinical and experimental heart failure (HF) and that impairment of nitric oxide (NO) production contributes to this enhancement. In order to understand the cellular mechanisms associated with the alterations of chemoreceptor function and the actions of NO in the carotid body (CB), we compared the outward K+ currents (IK) of glomus cells in sham rabbits with that in HF rabbits and monitored the effects of NO on these currents. Ik was measured in glomus cells using conventional and perforated whole-cell configurations. IK was attenuated in glomus cells of HF rabbits, and their resting membrane potentials (-34.7 +/- 1.0 mV) were depolarized as compared with those in sham rabbits (-47.2 +/- 1.9 mV). The selective Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channel (KCa) blocker iberiotoxin (IbTx, 100 nm) reduced IK in glomus cells from sham rabbits, but had no effect on IK from HF rabbits. In perforated whole-cell mode, the NO donor SNAP (100 microm) increased IK in glomus cells from HF rabbits to a greater extent than that in sham rabbits (P < 0.01), and IbTx inhibited the effects of SNAP. However, in conventional whole-cell mode, SNAP had no effect. N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA, NO synthase inhibitor) decreased Ik in sham rabbits but not in HF rabbits. The guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) inhibited the effect of SNAP on Ik. These results demonstrate that IK is reduced in CB glomus cells from HF rabbits. This effect is due mainly to the suppression of KCa channel activity caused by decreased availability of NO. In addition, intracellular cGMP is necessary for the KCa channel modulation by NO.

CFTR: What's it like inside the pore?

The Cystic Fibrosis Conductance Regulator (CFTR) functions as a cAMP-activated, anion-selective channel, but the structural basis for anion permeation is not well understood. Here we summarize recent studies aimed at understanding how anions move through the CFTR channel, and the nature of the environment anions experience inside the pore. From these studies it is apparent that anion permeability selectivity and anion binding selectivity of the pore are consistent with a model based on a "dielectric tunnel." The selectivity pattern for halides and pseudohalides can be predicted if it is assumed that permeant anions partition between bulk water and a polarizable space that is characterized by an effective dielectric constant of about 19. Covalent labeling of engineered cysteines and pH titration of engineered cysteines and histidines lead to the conclusion that the CFTR anion conduction path includes a positively charged outer vestibule. A residue in transmembrane segment 6 (TM6) (R334) appears to reside in the outer vestibule of the CFTR pore where it creates a positive electrostatic potential that enhances anion conduction.

Impaired insulin response after oral but not intravenous glucose in heart- and liver-transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of diabetes is high after transplantation. We hypothesized that liver transplantation induces additional alterations of glucose homeostasis because of liver denervation.

METHODS

Nondiabetic patients with a heart (n=9) or liver (n=9) transplant and healthy subjects (n=8) were assessed using a two-step hyperglycemic clamp (7.5 and 10 mmol/L). Thereafter, an oral glucose load (0.65 g/kg fat free mass) was administered while glucose was clamped at 10 mmol/L. Glucose appearance from the gut was calculated as the difference between glucose appearance (6,6 2H2 glucose) and exogenous glucose infusion. Plasma insulin, glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 and gastric inhibitory polypeptide(GIP) concentrations were compared after intravenous and oral glucose.

RESULTS

After oral glucose, the glucose appearance from the gut was increased 52% and 81% in liver- and heart-transplant recipients (P<0.05). First-pass splanchnic glucose uptake was reduced by 39% in liver-transplant and 64% in heart-transplant patients (P<0.05). After oral but not intravenous glucose, there was an impairment of insulin secretion in both transplant groups relative to the controls. Plasma concentrations of GIP and GLP-1 increased similarly in all three groups after oral glucose.

CONCLUSIONS

First-pass hepatic glucose extraction is decreased after heart and liver transplant. Insulin secretion elicited by oral, but not intravenous glucose, is significantly reduced in both groups of patients. There was no difference between liver- and heart-transplant recipients, indicating that hepatic denervation was not involved. These data suggest an impairment in the beta-cell response to neural factors or incretin hormones secondary to immunosuppressive treatment.

In vitro and in vivo intrapulmonary distribution of fluorescently labeled surfactant

OBJECTIVE

To determine the distribution of endotracheally administered surfactant at the alveolar level in an animal model of acute respiratory distress syndrome.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized animal study.

SETTING

Research laboratory of a university hospital.

SUBJECTS

Seventy-one male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 330-370 g.

INTERVENTIONS

To measure surfactant distribution in vitro, a glass trough mimicking dichotomic lung anatomy was used to determine the spreading properties of bovine lung surfactant extract supplemented with fluorescent Bodipy-labeled surfactant protein B. To measure surfactant distribution in vivo, rats were anesthetized, and lipopolysaccharide was aerosolized (12 mg/kg body weight) to induce lung injury resembling acute respiratory distress syndrome; in control rats, buffered saline was aerosolized. Twenty-four hours later rats were anesthetized, tracheotomized, and mechanically ventilated (peak airway pressure = 20 mbar; positive end-expiratory pressure = 6 mbar; inspiration time = expiration time = 0.6 sec; Fio2 = 50%). Surfactant (bovine lung surfactant extract, supplemented with fluorescent Bodipy-labeled surfactant protein B; 50 mg/kg body weight) was applied as a bolus; in control rats, saline was administered as a bolus. Rats were ventilated for 5, 15, 30, or 60 mins (n = 8 or 9 for each group). Then, lungs were excised and sliced. Lung slices, divided into aerated (open), underinflated (dystelectatic), or collapsed (atelectatic) alveolar areas, were examined by both light and fluorescence microscopy.

RESULTS

In vitro experiments revealed that surfactant spread independent of glass trough geometry and lowered the surface tension to equilibrium values (25 mN/m) within a few seconds. In vivo experiments showed that administered surfactant distributed preferentially into underinflated and aerated alveolar areas. Furthermore, surfactant distribution was not affected by length of mechanical ventilation.

CONCLUSIONS

When conventional mechanical ventilation was used in lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury, surfactant preferentially distributed into underinflated and aerated alveolar areas. Because surfactant rarely reached collapsed alveolar areas, methods aiding in alveolar recruitment (e.g., open lung concept or body positioning) should precede surfactant administration.

CFTR: covalent and noncovalent modification suggests a role for fixed charges in anion conduction

The goal of the experiments described here was to explore the possible role of fixed charges in determining the conduction properties of CFTR. We focused on transmembrane segment 6 (TM6) which contains four basic residues (R334, K335, R347, and R352) that would be predicted, on the basis of their positions in the primary structure, to span TM6 from near the extracellular (R334, K335) to near the intracellular (R347, R352) end. Cysteines substituted at positions 334 and 335 were readily accessible to thiol reagents, whereas those at positions 347 and 352 were either not accessible or lacked significant functional consequences when modified. The charge at positions 334 and 335 was an important determinant of CFTR channel function. Charge changes at position 334--brought about by covalent modification of engineered cysteine residues, pH titration of cysteine and histidine residues, and amino acid substitution--produced similar effects on macroscopic conductance and the shape of the I-V plot. The effect of charge changes at position 334 on conduction properties could be described by electrodiffusion or rate-theory models in which the charge on this residue lies in an external vestibule of the pore where it functions to increase the concentration of Cl adjacent to the rate-limiting portion of the conduction path. Covalent modification of R334C CFTR increased single-channel conductance determined in detached patches, but did not alter open probability. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that in wild-type CFTR, R334 occupies a position where its charge can influence the distribution of anions near the mouth of the pore.

Voltage-dependent flickery block of an open cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel pore

1. Fast flickery block of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) was studied with cell-attached and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from mouse NIH3T3 cells stably expressing a mutant CFTR channel, K1250A-CFTR. This mutant CFTR channel, once open, can stay open for minutes. Within a prolonged opening, the kinetics of fast flickery closures can be readily quantified. 2. Flickering block of K1250A-CFTR channels was voltage dependent since the open probability within an opening burst decreased as the membrane was hyperpolarized. 3. Mean open time (tau(o)) and mean closed time (tau(c)), obtained from single-channel kinetic analysis, were corrected for missed events. Our data show that corrected tau(c) was voltage dependent while corrected tau(o) exhibited little voltage dependence. Results from whole-cell current relaxation upon voltage jump further indicate that tau(c) at a membrane potential of -100 mV was at least 10-fold longer than that at +100 mV. 4. tau(c), but not tau(o), was sensitive to external permeant anions. After complete replacement of external Cl(-) with impermeant anions, tau(c) showed little voltage dependence and approximated a value observed under strong hyperpolarization in the presence of high external permeant anions. These results suggest that the resident time of the blocker is prolonged by conditions (i.e. hyperpolarization or the absence of external permeant anions) that deplete Cl(-) in the CFTR pore. 5. Results from macroscopic current noise analysis of both wild-type CFTR and K1250A-CFTR channels further confirm the voltage dependence and Cl(-) sensitivity of the fast flickery block observed with single-channel analysis. 6. We conclude that the voltage dependence of the flickery block in CFTR is mainly due to the voltage-dependent occupancy of an anion-binding site in the channel pore by trans-anions. The blocker acquires a voltage-dependent off rate through an electrostatic interaction with Cl(-) in the pore.

Permeation through the CFTR chloride channel

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein forms a Cl(−) channel found in the plasma membranes of many epithelial cells, including those of the kidney, gut and conducting airways. Mutation of the gene encoding CFTR is the primary defect in cystic fibrosis, a disease that affects approximately 30 000 individuals in the United States alone. Alteration of CFTR function also plays an important role in the pathophysiology of secretory diarrhea and polycystic kidney disease. The basic mechanisms of permeation in this channel are not well understood. It is not known which portions of the protein contribute to forming the pore or which amino acid residues in those domains are involved in the biophysical processes of ion permeation. In this review, I will discuss (i) the present understanding of ion transport processes in the wild-type CFTR channel, (ii) the experimental approaches currently being applied to investigate the pore, and (iii) a proposed structure that takes into account the present data on mechanisms of ion selectivity in the CFTR channel and on blockade of the pore by open-channel blockers.

Inhibition of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator chloride channel currents by arachidonic acid

Chloride permeation through the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl- channel is inhibited by a number of different classes of organic anions which are able to enter and block the channel pore from its cytoplasmic end. Here I show, using patch clamp recording from CFTR-transfected baby hamster kidney cell lines, that the cis-unsaturated fatty acid arachidonic acid also inhibits CFTR Cl- currents when applied to the cytoplasmic face of excised membrane patches. This inhibition was of a relatively high affinity compared with other known CFTR inhibitors, with an apparent Kd of 6.5 ± 0.9 µM. However, in contrast with known CFTR pore blockers, inhibition by arachidonic acid was only very weakly voltage dependent, and was insensitive to the extracellular Cl- concentration. Arachidonic acid-mediated inhibition of CFTR Cl- currents was not abrogated by inhibitors of lipoxygenases, cyclooxygenases or cytochrome P450, suggesting that arachidonic acid itself, rather than some metabolite, directly affects CFTR. Similar inhibition of CFTR Cl- currents was seen with other fatty acids, with the rank order of potency linoleic [Formula: see text] arachidonic [Formula: see text] oleic > elaidic [Formula: see text] palmitic [Formula: see text] myristic. These results identify fatty acids as novel high affinity modulators of the CFTR Cl- channel.Key words: CFTR, chloride channel, fatty acid, channel block, cystic fibrosis.

Postprandial hepatic glycogen synthesis in liver transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

The liver plays a central role in glucose homeostasis by releasing glucose in the fasting state and by taking up and converting into glycogen part of the glucose absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after meal ingestion.

METHODS

To determine whether the hepatic denervation that accompanies liver transplantation interferes with these functions, we assessed glucose tolerance to an oral glucose load in seven patients at 2-6 weeks after orthotopic liver transplantation, in six patients after kidney transplantation, and in six healthy controls. Hepatic glycogen synthesis was non-invasively assessed over the 4 hours after ingestion of a glucose load by monitoring hepatic uridine diphosphoglucose turnover with 13C galactose and acetaminophen.

RESULTS

Liver and kidney transplant recipients had increased postprandial glucose concentrations but normal hepatic uridine diphosphoglucose turnover, indicating an unaltered hepatic glycogen synthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that denervated liver transplants have an adequate glucoregulatory function. Postprandial hyperglycemia in liver transplant recipients is therefore not due to alterations of liver glucose metabolism.

Lung injury and surfactant metabolism after hyperventilation of premature lambs

We asked whether lung injury and surfactant metabolism differed in preterm lambs after a 1-h period of hyperventilation to P(CO2) values of 25-30 mm Hg. The lambs then were surfactant treated and conventionally ventilated (CV) or high-frequency oscillatory ventilated (HFOV) for an additional 1 or 8 h. The results were compared with lambs that were not hyperventilated or surfactant treated but were ventilated with CV or HFOV. The 1-h hyperventilation resulted in increased alveolar protein, increased recovery of intravascular [131I]albumin in the lungs, and an increase in tumor necrosis factor-alpha mRNA. There were no differences between CV or HFOV in alveolar or total lung recoveries of saturated phosphatidylcholine (Sat PC), tracer doses of [14C]Sat PC and [125I]surfactant protein-B, or in percent Sat PC in large aggregate surfactant in surfactant-treated lambs. The lambs not hyperventilated or treated with surfactant had lower large aggregate pools and lower recoveries of [14C]Sat PC and [125I]surfactant protein-B in total lungs than for the surfactant-treated lungs, but there were no differences between the CV and HFOV groups. Hyperventilation followed by surfactant treatment resulted in a mild injury, but the subsequent use of CV or HFOV did not result in differences in surfactant metabolism.

Anion transport in heart

Anion transport proteins in mammalian cells participate in a wide variety of cell and intracellular organelle functions, including regulation of electrical activity, pH, volume, and the transport of osmolites and metabolites, and may even play a role in the control of immunological responses, cell migration, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Although significant progress over the past decade has been achieved in understanding electrogenic and electroneutral anion transport proteins in sarcolemmal and intracellular membranes, information on the molecular nature and physiological significance of many of these proteins, especially in the heart, is incomplete. Functional and molecular studies presently suggest that four primary types of sarcolemmal anion channels are expressed in cardiac cells: channels regulated by protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C, and purinergic receptors (I(Cl.PKA)); channels regulated by changes in cell volume (I(Cl.vol)); channels activated by intracellular Ca(2+) (I(Cl.Ca)); and inwardly rectifying anion channels (I(Cl.ir)). In most animal species, I(Cl.PKA) is due to expression of a cardiac isoform of the epithelial cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl(-) channel. New molecular candidates responsible for I(Cl.vol), I(Cl.Ca), and I(Cl.ir) (ClC-3, CLCA1, and ClC-2, respectively) have recently been identified and are presently being evaluated. Two isoforms of the band 3 anion exchange protein, originally characterized in erythrocytes, are responsible for Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchange, and at least two members of a large vertebrate family of electroneutral cotransporters (ENCC1 and ENCC3) are responsible for Na(+)-dependent Cl(-) cotransport in heart. A 223-amino acid protein in the outer mitochondrial membrane of most eukaryotic cells comprises a voltage-dependent anion channel. The molecular entities responsible for other types of electroneutral anion exchange or Cl(-) conductances in intracellular membranes of the sarcoplasmic reticulum or nucleus are unknown. Evidence of cardiac expression of up to five additional members of the ClC gene family suggest a rich new variety of molecular candidates that may underlie existing or novel Cl(-) channel subtypes in sarcolemmal and intracellular membranes. The application of modern molecular biological and genetic approaches to the study of anion transport proteins during the next decade holds exciting promise for eventually revealing the actual physiological, pathophysiological, and clinical significance of these unique transport processes in cardiac and other mammalian cells.

Cardiac ionic currents and acute ischemia: from channels to arrhythmias

The aim of this review is to provide basic information on the electrophysiological changes during acute ischemia and reperfusion from the level of ion channels up to the level of multicellular preparations. After an introduction, section II provides a general description of the ion channels and electrogenic transporters present in the heart, more specifically in the plasma membrane, in intracellular organelles of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and in the gap junctions. The description is restricted to activation and permeation characterisitics, while modulation is incorporated in section III. This section (ischemic syndromes) describes the biochemical (lipids, radicals, hormones, neurotransmitters, metabolites) and ion concentration changes, the mechanisms involved, and the effect on channels and cells. Section IV (electrical changes and arrhythmias) is subdivided in two parts, with first a description of the electrical changes at the cellular and multicellular level, followed by an analysis of arrhythmias during ischemia and reperfusion. The last short section suggests possible developments in the study of ischemia-related phenomena.

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and its function in epithelial transport

CF is a well characterized disease affecting a variety of epithelial tissues. Impaired function of the cAMP activated CFTR Cl- channel appears to be the basic defect detectable in epithelial and non-epithelial cells derived from CF patients. Apart from cAMP-dependent Cl- channels also Ca2+ and volume activated Cl- currents may be changed in the presence of CFTR mutations. This is supported by recent additional findings showing that different intracellular messengers converge on the CFTR Cl- channel. Analysis of the ion transport in CF airways and intestinal epithelium identified additional defects in Na+ transport. It became clear recently that mutations of CFTR may also affect the activity of other membrane conductances including epithelial Na+ channels, KvLQT-1 K+ channels and aquaporins (Fig. 7). Several additional, initially unexpected effects of CFTR on cellular functions, such as exocytosis, mucin secretion and regulation of the intracellular pH were reported during the past. Taken together, these results clearly indicate that CFTR not only acts as a cAMP regulated Cl- channel, but may fulfill several other cellular functions, particularly by regulating other membrane conductances. Failure in CFTR dependent regulation of these membrane conductances is likely to contribute to the defects observed in CF. Currently, no general concept is available that can explain how CFTR controls this variety of cellular functions. Further studies will have to verify whether direct protein interaction, specific effects on membrane turnover, changes of the intracellular ion concentration or additional proteins are involved in these regulatory loops. At the end of this review one cannot share the provocative and reassuring title "CFTR!" of a review written a few years ago [114]. Today one might rather finish with the statement "CFTR?".

Melatonin receptor potentiation of cyclic AMP and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator ion channel

We have used the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl- channel as a model system to study the cAMP signal transduction pathways coupled to the Xenopus melatonin receptor. During forskolin (Fsk) stimulation, melatonin reduced the amplitude of the CFTR currents in oocytes injected with in vitro transcribed cRNAs for the Xenopus melatonin receptor and CFTR. Pertussis toxin (Ptx) treatment eliminated melatonin inhibition of Fsk stimulated CFTR currents. In oocytes injected with cRNA for melatonin receptors, serotonin receptors (5-HT7), and CFTR Cl- channels, application of melatonin together with serotonin (5-HT) activated an additional inward current showing potentiation of adenylyl cyclases by melatonin receptors. Subthreshold activation of 5-HT7 receptors was sufficient and necessary to permit activation of CFTR channels by melatonin. Preexposure to melatonin desensitized the melatonin receptor mediated response. Therefore, based on this model system, the effects of melatonin in vivo could be either positive or negative modulation of other neuronal inputs, depending on the mode of adenylyl cyclase stimulation.

CFTR: mechanism of anion conduction

CFTR: Mechanism of Anion Conduction. Physiol. Rev. 79, Suppl.: S47-S75, 1999. - The purpose of this review is to collect together the results of recent investigations of anion conductance by the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator along with some of the basic background that is a prerequisite for developing some physical picture of the conduction process. The review begins with an introduction to the concepts of permeability and conductance and the Nernst-Planck and rate theory models that are used to interpret these parameters. Some of the physical forces that impinge on anion conductance are considered in the context of permeability selectivity and anion binding to proteins. Probes of the conduction process are considered, particularly permeant anions that bind tightly within the pore and block anion flow. Finally, structure-function studies are reviewed in the context of some predictions for the origin of pore properties.

Structure and function of the CFTR chloride channel

Structure and Function of the CFTR Chloride Channel. Physiol. Rev. 79, Suppl.: S23-S45, 1999. - The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a unique member of the ABC transporter family that forms a novel Cl- channel. It is located predominantly in the apical membrane of epithelia where it mediates transepithelial salt and liquid movement. Dysfunction of CFTR causes the genetic disease cystic fibrosis. The CFTR is composed of five domains: two membrane-spanning domains (MSDs), two nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs), and a regulatory (R) domain. Here we review the structure and function of this unique channel, with a focus on how the various domains contribute to channel function. The MSDs form the channel pore, phosphorylation of the R domain determines channel activity, and ATP hydrolysis by the NBDs controls channel gating. Current knowledge of CFTR structure and function may help us understand better its mechanism of action, its role in electrolyte transport, its dysfunction in cystic fibrosis, and its relationship to other ABC transporters.

Surfactant protein-C in ventilated premature lamb lung

Although surfactants containing only lipids and surfactant protein C (SP-C) or SP-C analogs can be effective for the treatment of surfactant deficiency in animal models, there is no information concerning the alveolar or lung clearance of SP-C. Because the other lipid and protein components of surfactant are cleared very slowly from the preterm lung, we hypothesized that SP-C also would be cleared slowly. Therefore, we compared the losses of iodinated native SP-C (nSP-C) and a recombinant SP-C analog (rSP-C, phenylalanines in positions 4 and 5 and isoleucine in position 32 of the human sequence) to [14C]dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) after airway administration at birth of trace or treatment doses of surfactant given to preterm lambs. In preterm lambs given trace doses at 134-136 d gestation, alveolar [14C]DPPC and [125I]rSP-C decreased to 14.7% recovery for DPPC and 8.3% recovery for rSP-C after 2 h ventilation. There was no loss of [14C]DPPC from the total lungs (alveolar wash + lung tissue), and approximately 20% of the [125I]rSP-C was lost from the lungs. For 128 d gestational age lambs treated with 100-mg/kg doses of surfactants containing nSP-C or 2% rSP-C, the alveolar and total lung recoveries for [125I]nSP-C or [125I]rSP-C were equivalent to that of [14C]DPPC after 5 h ventilation. These results demonstrate that nSP-C and rSP-C have alveolar clearances and accumulations into preterm lung tissue that are similar to those of DPPC.

Surfactant protein metabolism in vivo

The surfactant components saturated phosphatidylcholine, SP-B and SP-C, are secreted together in lamellar bodies, and at least a part of the de novo synthesized SP-A is secreted independently. The surface film forms from tubular myelin and loose lipid arrays, and it generates unilamellar vesicles that lack surfactant proteins and are thought to represent catabolic forms. The half-life values for the clearance of surfactant proteins from lungs range from 6.5 to 28 h and vary with species. There is minimal information about the associations of the surfactant proteins with lipids or with each other after film formation, although all surfactant components seem to be recycled back into lamellar bodies in type II cells. The relative importance of type II cells or macrophages to the catabolism of the protein components of surfactant remains to be characterized, as do regulators of surfactant homeostasis.

Patch clamp on the luminal membrane of exocrine gland acini from frog skin (Rana esculenta) reveals the presence of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator-like Cl- channels activated by cyclic AMP

Chloride channels in the luminal membrane of exocrine gland acini from frog skin (Rana esculenta) constituted a single homogeneous population. In cell-attached patches, channels activated upon exposure to isoproterenol, forskolin, or dibutyryl-cAMP and isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine rectified in the outward direction with a conductance of 10.0 +/- 0.4 pS for outgoing currents. Channels in stimulated cells reversed at 0 mV applied potential, whereas channels in unstimulated cells reversed at depolarized potentials (28.1 +/- 6.7 mV), indicating that Cl- was above electrochemical equilibrium in unstimulated, but not in stimulated, cells. In excised inside-out patches with 25 mM Cl- on the inside, activity of small (8-pS) linear Cl--selective channels was dependent upon bath ATP (1.5 mM) and increased upon exposure to cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The channels displayed a single substate, located just below 2/3 of the full channel amplitude. Halide selectivity was identified as PBr > PI > PCl from the Goldman equation; however, the conductance sequence when either halide was permeating the channel was GCl > GBr >> GI. In inside-out patches, the channels were blocked reversibly by 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid, glibenclamide, and diphenylamine-2-carboxylic acid, whereas 4, 4-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2-disulfonic acid blocked channel activity completely and irreversibly. Single-channel kinetics revealed one open state (mean lifetime = 158 +/- 72 ms) and two closed states (lifetimes: 12 +/- 4 and 224 +/- 31 ms, respectively). Power density spectra had a double-Lorentzian form with corner frequencies 0.85 +/- 0.11 and 27.9 +/- 2.9 Hz, respectively. These channels are considered homologous to the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl- channel, which has been localized to the submucosal skin glands in Xenopus by immunohistochemistry (Engelhardt, J.F., S.S. Smith, E. Allen, J.R. Yankaskas, D.C. Dawson, and J.M. Wilson. 1994. Am. J. Physiol. 267: C491-C500) and, when stimulated by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation, are suggested to function in chloride secretion.

2 barrier-1 site pore: an interactive spreadsheet model for two permeating ions

An interactive ion channel permeation tutorial was developed using a Microsoft Excel v5.0 spreadsheet to describe a two barrier, one site channel model by means of Eyring rate theory (ERT). The spreadsheet is inherently interactive so that the user receives immediate feedback about how changes in the energy barrier profile or ion concentrations affect current-voltage relations and single channel conductance. The spreadsheet model is easy to use, allows direct access to intermediate calculated values and all equations, contains graphical displays of parameters and lends itself to customization by a user having only a basic knowledge of spreadsheet operations.

Electrodiffusional ATP movement through the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator

Expression of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), and of at least one other member of the ATP-binding cassette family of transport proteins, P-glycoprotein, is associated with the electrodiffusional movement of the nucleotide ATP. Evidence directly implicating CFTR expression with ATP channel activity, however, is still missing. Here it is reported that reconstitution into a lipid bilayer of highly purified CFTR of human epithelial origin enables the permeation of both Cl- and ATP. Similar to previously reported data for in vivo ATP current of CFTR-expressing cells, the reconstituted channels displayed competition between Cl- and ATP and had multiple conductance states in the presence of Cl- and ATP. Purified CFTR-mediated ATP currents were activated by protein kinase A and ATP (1 mM) from the "intracellular" side of the molecule and were inhibited by diphenylamine-2-carboxylate, glibenclamide, and anti-CFTR antibodies. The absence of CFTR-mediated electrodiffusional ATP movement may thus be a relevant component of the pleiotropic cystic fibrosis phenotype.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) anion binding as a probe of the pore

We compared the effects of mutations in transmembrane segments (TMs) TM1, TM5, and TM6 on the conduction and activation properties of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) to determine which functional property was most sensitive to mutations and, thereby, to develop a criterion for measuring the importance of a particular residue or TM for anion conduction or activation. Anion substitution studies provided strong evidence for the binding of permeant anions in the pore. Anion binding was highly sensitive to point mutations in TM5 and TM6. Permeability ratios, in contrast, were relatively unaffected by the same mutations, so that anion binding emerged as the conduction property most sensitive to structural changes in CFTR. The relative insensitivity of permeability ratios to CFTR mutations was in accord with the notion that anion-water interactions are important determinants of permeability selectivity. By the criterion of anion binding, TM5 and TM6 were judged to be likely to contribute to the structure of the anion-selective pore, whereas TM1 was judged to be less important. Mutations in TM5 and TM6 also dramatically reduced the sensitivity of CFTR to activation by 3-isobutyl 1-methyl xanthine (IBMX), as expected if these TMs are intimately involved in the physical process that opens and closes the channel.

Quantity and structure of surfactant proteins vary among patients with alveolar proteinosis

Alveolar proteinosis (AP) is an idiopathic condition characterized by excess alveolar surfactant. Although the surfactant proteins (SP) are known to be aberrant, little is known of their variation between patients or their abundance relative to the lipids. We have examined surfactant composition in lavage fluid from 16 normal subjects and 13 patients with AP, one of whom was lavaged on 11 occasions over approximately 13 mo. In this patient we have examined composition on each occasion and in each sequential lavage aliquot. Composition was constant between right and left lung, but it differed markedly between patients. The cholesterol/disaturated phospholipid ratios (CHOL/DSP) were invariably elevated, on average by approximately 7-fold, whereas the SP-A/DSP and SP-B/DSP ratios were generally elevated, in some cases by as much as approximately 40- and approximately 100-fold, respectively. Although AP lavage generally contained more non-thiol-dependent SP-A aggregates and low Mr isoforms, the two-dimensional immunochemical staining patterns varied between patients and right and left lung. In the patient lavaged on multiple occasions, the SP-A/DSP and SP-B/DSP ratios progressively decreased as the patient's condition resolved. Because the SP-B/SP-A ratio was normal in all cases, we suggest that structural changes to the proteins occurred secondarily and that caution must be used in comparing functional data derived using SP-A obtained from patients with AP.

Effects of ventilation style on surfactant metabolism and treatment response in preterm lambs

We investigated whether the style of ventilation would influence respiratory physiology or surfactant metabolism in surfactant-treated preterm lambs. Preterm lambs were delivered at 131 +/- 1 d gestation and treated with an organic solvent extract of sheep surfactant (100 mg/kg). The lambs were randomized to ventilation peiods of 2 h, 5 h, 10 h, or 24 h, and to ventilation with a low rate (15 breaths/min) and high VT (15 ml/kg), with a high rate (50 breaths/min) and low VT (8 ml/kg), or with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV). Gas exchange and lung volumes were similar across time and for the different ventilation styles. Saturated phosphatidylcholine (SatPC) in alveolar lavage was lower for the HFOV group than for the other ventilation groups at 10 h and 24 h. The rate of loss of surfactant protein B (SP-B) from these preterm animals' lungs was slow and not influenced by ventilation style. The percentages of surfactants in large-aggregate forms were not changed by style of ventilation, and the large-aggregate surfactants had excellent function when tested in surfactant-deficient preterm rabbits. Alveolar lavage protein was low (30 ml/kg), and tissue hyaluronan did not change with time or ventilation style. In preterm lambs ventilated without causing injury, the extreme styles of ventilation examined in the study had minimal effects on lung function, surfactant function, or surfactant metabolism.

Ca2+ current in rabbit carotid body glomus cells is conducted by multiple types of high-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels

Ca2+ current in rabbit carotid body glomus cells is conducted by multiple types of high-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels. J. Neurophysiol. 78: 2467-2474, 1997. Carotid bodies are sensory organs that detect changes in arterial oxygen. Glomus cells are presumed to be the initial sites for sensory transduction, and Ca2+-dependent neurotransmitter release from glomus cells is believed to be an obligatory step in this response. Some information exists on the Ca2+ channels in rat glomus cells. However, relatively little is known about the types of Ca2+ channels present in rabbit glomus cells, the species in which most of the neurotransmitter release studies have been performed. Therefore we tested the effect of specific Ca2+ channel blockers on current recorded from freshly dissociated, adult rabbit carotid body glomus cells using the whole cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. Macroscopic Ba2+ current elicited from a holding potential of -80 mV activated at a Vm of approximately -30 mV, peaked between 0 and +10 mV and did not inactivate during 25-ms steps to positive test potentials. Prolonged ( approximately 2 min) depolarized holding potentials inactivated the current with a V1/2 of -47 mV. There was no evidence for T-type channels. On steps to 0 mV, 6 mM Co2+ decreased peak inward current by 97 +/- 1% (mean +/- SE). Nisoldipine (2 mu M), 1 mu M omega-conotoxin GVIA, and 100 nM omega-agatoxin IVa each blocked a portion of the macroscopic Ca2+ current (30 +/- 5, 33 +/- 5, and 19 +/- 3% after rundown correction, respectively). Simultaneous application of these blockers revealed a resistant current that was not affected by 1 mu M omega-conotoxin MVIIC. This resistant current constituted 27 +/- 5% of the total macroscopic Ca2+ current. Each blocker had an effect in every cell so tested. However, the relative proportion of current blocked varied from cell to cell. These results suggest that L, N, P, and resistant channel types each conduct a significant proportion of the macroscopic Ca2+ current in rabbit glomus cells. Hypoxia-induced neurotransmitter release from glomus cells may involve one or more of these channels.

Multi-Ion mechanism for ion permeation and block in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator chloride channel

The mechanism of Cl ion permeation through single cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channels was studied using the channel-blocking ion gluconate. High concentrations of intracellular gluconate ions cause a rapid, voltage-dependent block of CFTR Cl channels by binding to a site approximately 40% of the way through the transmembrane electric field. The affinity of gluconate block was influenced by both intracellular and extracellular Cl concentration. Increasing extracellular Cl concentration reduced intracellular gluconate affinity, suggesting that a repulsive interaction occurs between Cl and gluconate ions within the channel pore, an effect that would require the pore to be capable of holding more than one ion simultaneously. This effect of extracellular Cl is not shared by extracellular gluconate ions, suggesting that gluconate is unable to enter the pore from the outside. Increasing the intracellular Cl concentration also reduced the affinity of intracellular gluconate block, consistent with competition between intracellular Cl and gluconate ions for a common binding site in the pore. Based on this evidence that CFTR is a multi-ion pore, we have analyzed Cl permeation and gluconate block using discrete-state models with multiple occupancy. Both two- and three-site models were able to reproduce all of the experimental data with similar accuracy, including the dependence of blocker affinity on external Cl (but not gluconate) ions and the dependence of channel conductance on Cl concentration. The three-site model was also able to predict block by internal and external thiocyanate (SCN) ions and anomalous mole fraction behavior seen in Cl/SCN mixtures.

Human epithelial cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator without exon 5 maintains partial chloride channel function in intracellular membranes

The cardiac isoform of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a splice variant of the epithelial CFTR, with lacks 30 amino acids encoded by exon 5 in the first intracellular loop. For examination of the role of exon 5 in CFTR channel function, a CFTR deletion mutant, in which exon 5 was removed from the human epithelial CFTR, was constructed. The wild type and delta exon5 CFTR were expressed in a human embryonic kidney cell line (293 HEK). Fully mature glycosylated CFTR (approximately 170 kDa) was immunoprecipitated from cells transfected with wild type CFTR cDNA, whereas cells transfected with delta exon5 CFTR express only a core-glycosylated from (approximately 140 kDa). The Western blot test performed on subcellular membrane fractions showed that delta exon5 CFTR was located in the intracellular membranes. Neither incubation at lower temperature (26 degrees C) nor stimulation of 293 HEK cells with forskolin or CPT-cAMP caused improvement in glycosylation and processing of delta exon5 CFTR proteins, indicating that the human epithelial CFTR lacking exon5 did not process properly in 293 HEK cells. On incorporation of intracellular membrane vesicles containing the delta exon5 CFTR proteins into the lipid bilayer membrane, functional phosphorylation- and ATP-dependent chloride channels were identified. CFTR channels with an 8-pS full-conductance state were observed in 14% of the experiments. The channel had an average open probability (Po) of 0.098 +/- 0.022, significantly less than that of the wild type CFTR (Po = 0.318 +/- 0.028). More frequently, the delta exon5 CFTR formed chloride channels with lower conductance states of approximately 2-3 and approximately 4-6 pS. These subconductance states were also observed with wild type CFTR but to a much lesser extent. Average Po for the 2-3-pS subconductance state, estimated from the area under the curve on an amplitude histogram, was 0.461 +/- 0.194 for delta exon5 CFTR and 0.332 +/- 0.142 for wild type (p = 0.073). The data obtained indicate that deleting 30 amino acids from the first intracellular loop of CFTR affects both processing and function of the CFTR chloride channel.

Function of Xenopus cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl channels and use of human-Xenopus chimeras to investigate the pore properties of CFTR

To explore the relationship between structure and function in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl- channel, we studied Xenopus CFTR. We found that the anion permeability sequence of cAMP-activated Cl- currents in the apical membrane of Xenopus A6 epithelia differed from that of cAMP-activated Cl- currents in human epithelia expressing CFTR. To understand the molecular basis for this difference and to learn whether CFTR from another species would have properties similar to human CFTR, we assembled a full-length Xenopus CFTR cDNA from A6 cells. Expression of Xenopus CFTR in HeLa cells generated cAMP-activated whole-cell currents and cAMP-dependent protein kinase-activated single channels that resembled those of human CFTR with the exception that the anion permeability sequence was different (Br- = I- > Cl- in Xenopus CFTR and Br- = Cl- > I- in human). In addition, the single-channel conductance of Xenopus CFTR was increased. To investigate protein regions that account for these differences, we constructed chimeric proteins by replacing either the first or second membrane-spanning domain of human CFTR with the equivalent region of Xenopus CFTR (hX1-6 and hX7-12, respectively) and examined their function in HeLa cells. We found that the anion permeability sequence (Br- = I- > Cl-) and single-channel conductance of hX1-6 resembled that of Xenopus CFTR expressed in HeLa cells, whereas hX7-12 had properties like those of human CFTR. However, the gating of hX1-6 showed a flickery behavior. The altered gating of hX1-6 was attributed to residues in the first extracellular loop of Xenopus CFTR because mutation of residues in that region to the corresponding residues of human CFTR produced gating behavior similar to that of human CFTR. These data suggest that sequence differences in the first membrane-spanning domains are responsible for the differences in the permeation properties of human and Xenopus CFTR and that the first extracellular loop influences channel gating.

Properties of the cAMP-activated C1- current in choroid plexus epithelial cells isolated from the rat

1. This study used whole-cell patch clamp and RNA in situ hybridization experiments to determine whether the cAMP-activated C1- current expressed in choroid plexus epithelial cells was carried by the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel. 2. In patch clamp experiments, inclusion of 0.25 mM cAMP and 375 protein kinase A catalytic subunit (PKA) in the electrode solution caused activation of an inwardly rectifying current (21/23 cells). This current was C1- selective, since the current reversal potential (Erev) was -31 +/- 3 mV with equilibrium potential values for C1- (EC1) and Na+ (ENa) of -44 and 0 mV, respectively. 3. In anion substitution experiments, the relative anion permeability sequence for the inward rectifier was: I- (3.5) > HCO3-(1.5) = C1-(1.0) > Br-(0.6) > aspartate (0.2). 4. The inward rectifier was sensitive to inhibition by a range of known channel inhibitors, including: glibenclamide (100 microns), DIDS (100 and 500 microns), NPPB (100 microns) and Ba2+ (1 mM). 5. In RNA in situ hybridization experiments, using two independent rat CFTR cRNA probes, expression of CFTR could not be detected in epithelial cells from the rat choroid plexus. 6. In conclusion, the cAMP-dependent whole-cell C1- current present in choroid plexus epithelial cells from the rat has properties which are distinctly different from those of CFTR.

Distribution of cAMP-activated chloride current and CFTR mRNA in the guinea pig heart

Guinea pig ventricular myocytes exhibit a Cl(-)-selective current regulated by the cAMP-dependent pathway. We have investigated the distribution of cAMP-activated Cl- channel current density and cystic fibrosis transmembrane-conductance regulator (CFTR) mRNA in three regions of the guinea pig heart: the atrium, and the epicardium and endocardium of the free wall of the left ventricle. The regional differences in the Cl- current density were investigated in enzymatically isolated myocytes using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Forskolin (1 mumol/L) activated Cl(-)-selective currents in all ventricular myocytes and 21% of atrial myocytes examined. The conductance density, estimated as the outward chord conductance normalized to cell capacitance, was greatest in epicardial myocytes (79.8 +/- 8.4 pS/pF, n = 21) and significantly lower in endocardial (59.8 +/- 9.5 pS/pF, n = 22) and atrial (10.9 +/- 5.0 pS/pF, n = 38) myocytes. The regional differences in CFTR mRNA expression levels were investigated by competitive reverse-transcribed polymerase chain reaction. The regional distribution of the mRNA levels was similar to that of the Cl- conductance density, ie, highest in the epicardium (23230 +/- 1840 molecules/microgram total RNA, n = 3), significantly lower in endocardium (10610 +/- 780 molecules/microgram total RNA, n = 3), and lowest in atrium (1450 +/- 290 molecules/microgram total RNA, n = 3). The data indicate that regional differences in CFTR mRNA expression in the guinea pig heart are responsible, at least in part, for the regional differences in cAMP-activated Cl- current density.

Surfactant protein B metabolism in newborn rabbits

Surfactant protein B (SP-B) is critical to the biophysical function of surfactant. To characterize its metabolism in vivo in the newborn, we administered [35S]methionine and [3H]palmitate to newborn rabbits intravascularly. Three groups of 4 rabbits per group were killed at each of 4 time points followed by isolation of SP-B from alveolar wash and lamellar bodies. The labeling kinetics for alveolar wash associated SP-B and saturated phosphatidylcholine (Sat PC) had similar patterns. To characterize SP-B clearance from the airspace, rabbit SP-B was iodinated, mixed with [14C]dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and given by intratracheal injection. Alveolar washes and lamellar bodies were recovered from 4 animals at each of 7 time points. Both SP-B and Sat PC were cleared slowly from the total lung (half-life values approximately 25 h). However, SP-B was cleared more rapidly from the airspaces than was Sat PC. The ratio of [125I]SP-B to [14C]Sat PC in lamellar bodies increased 2-fold by 8 h. These results support the concept of linked secretion and clearance pathways for SP-B and Sat PC, although small differences in reuptake were detected.

Modulation of the hyperpolarization-activated Cl- current in human intestinal T84 epithelial cells by phosphorylation

1. Hyperpolarization-activated Cl- currents (ICl,hyp) were investigated in the T84 human adenocarcinoma cell line, using the patch-clamp whole-cell configuration. 2. During whole-cell recording with high-chloride and ATP-containing internal solutions, hyperpolarizing jumps from a holding potential of 0 mV elicited slow inward current relaxations, carried by Cl- and detected at membrane potentials more negative than -40 mV. Analysis of the relative permeabilities to monovalent anions gave the following sequence: Cl- > Br- > I- > glutamate. 3. ICl,hyp was partially inhibited by 1 mM diphenylamine-2-carboxylic acid or 0.1 mM 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoate, and was completely blocked by Cd2+ (> 300 microM). It was insensitive to 1 mM external 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid or 1 mM Ba2+. 4. ICl,hyp was inhibited by external application of 500 microM cptcAMP (8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate) or 500 nM of the protein kinase C activator, phorbol 12-myristate, 13-acetate. 5. (i) Omission of ATP from the pipette solution, (ii) ATP replacement by the non-hydrolysable ATP analogue 5'-adenylylimidodiphosphate, and (iii) inhibition of protein kinase C by staurosporine or calphostin C accelerated the activation kinetics of the current and increased its amplitude, but did not alter its pharmacological properties. 6. We conclude that hyperpolarization-activated Cl- channels similar to those of ClC-2 channels (mammalian homologue of Torpedo chloride channel ClC-0) are present in T84 cells, and that their gating properties are modulated by phosphorylation.

Intracellular loop between transmembrane segments IV and V of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator is involved in regulation of chloride channel conductance state

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) contains two membrane-spanning domains; each consists of six transmembrane segments joined by three extracellular and two intracellular loops of different length. To examine the role of intracellular loops in CFTR channel function, we studied a deletion mutant of CFTR (delta 19 CFTR) in which 19 amino acids were removed from the intracellular loop joining transmembrane segments IV and V. This mutant protein was expressed in a human embryonic kidney cell line (293 HEK). Fully mature glycosylated CFTR (approximately 170 kDa) was immunoprecipitated from cells transfected with wild-type CFTR cDNA, while cells transfected with the mutant gene expressed only a core-glycosylated form (approximately 140 kDa). The chloride efflux rate (measured by 6-methoxyl-N-(3-sulfopropyl) quinolinium SPQ fluorescence) from cells expressing wild-type CFTR increased 600% in response to forskolin. In contrast, delta 19 CFTR-expressing cells had no significant response to forskolin. Western blotting performed on subcellular membrane fractions showed that delta 19 CFTR was located in the same fractions as delta F508 CFTR, a processing mutant of CFTR. These results suggest that delta 19 CFTR is located in the intracellular membranes, without reaching the cell surface. Upon reconstitution into lipid bilayer membranes, delta 19 CFTR formed a functional Cl- channel with gating properties nearly identical to those of the wild-type CFTR channel. However, delta 19 CFTR channels exhibited frequent transitions to a 6-picosiemens subconductance state, whereas wild-type CFTR channels rarely exist in this subconductance state. These data suggest that the intracellular loop is involved in stabilizing the full conductance state of the CFTR Cl- channel.