Taurodeoxycholate activates potassium and chloride conductances via an IP3-mediated release of calcium from intracellular stores in a colonic cell line (T84)

Bile Acid Application in Cell-Targeting for Molecular Receptors in Relation to Hearing: A Comprehensive Review

Bile acids play important roles in the human body, and changes in their pool can be used as markers for various liver pathologies. In addition to their functional effects in modulating inflammatory responses and cellular survivability, the unconjugated or conjugated, secondary, or primary nature of bile acids accounts for their various ligand effects. The common hydrophilic bile acids have been used successfully as local treatment to resolve drug-induced cell damage or to ameliorate hearing loss. From various literature references, bile acids show concentration and tissue-dependent effects. Some hydrophobic bile acids act as ligands modulating vitamin D receptors, muscarinic receptors, and calcium-activated potassium channels, important proteins in the inner ear system. Currently, there are limited resources investigating the therapeutic effects of bile acid on hearing loss and little to no information on detecting bile acids in the remote ear system, let alone baseline bile acid levels and their prevalence in healthy and disease conditions. This review presents both hydrophilic and hydrophobic human bile acids and their tissue-specific effects in modulating cellular integrity, thus considering the possible effects and extended therapeutic applicability of bile acids to the inner ear tissue.

Intestinal secretory mechanisms and diarrhea

One of the primary functions of the intestinal epithelium is to transport fluid and electrolytes to and from the luminal contents. Under normal circumstances, absorptive and secretory processes are tightly regulated such that absorption predominates, thereby enabling conservation of the large volumes of water that pass through the intestine each day. However, in conditions of secretory diarrhea, this balance becomes dysregulated, so that fluid secretion, driven primarily by Cl- secretion, overwhelms absorptive capacity, leading to increased loss of water in the stool. Secretory diarrheas are common and include those induced by pathogenic bacteria and viruses, allergens, and disruptions to bile acid homeostasis, or as a side effect of many drugs. Here, we review the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which Cl- and fluid secretion in the intestine are regulated, how these mechanisms become dysregulated in conditions of secretory diarrhea, currently available and emerging therapeutic approaches, and how new strategies to exploit intestinal secretory mechanisms are successfully being used in the treatment of constipation.

Contributions of bile acids to gastrointestinal physiology as receptor agonists and modifiers of ion channels

Bile acids (BAs) are known to be important regulators of intestinal motility and epithelial fluid and electrolyte transport. Over the past two decades, significant advances in identifying and characterizing the receptors, transporters, and ion channels targeted by BAs have led to exciting new insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in these processes. Our appreciation of BAs, their receptors, and BA-modulated ion channels as potential targets for the development of new approaches to treat intestinal motility and transport disorders is increasing. In the current review, we aim to summarize recent advances in our knowledge of the different BA receptors and BA-modulated ion channels present in the gastrointestinal system. We discuss how they regulate motility and epithelial transport, their roles in pathogenesis, and their therapeutic potential in a range of gastrointestinal diseases.

Molecular Physiology of Bile Acid Signaling in Health, Disease, and Aging

Over the past two decades, bile acids (BAs) have become established as important signaling molecules that enable fine-tuned inter-tissue communication from the liver, their site of production, over the intestine, where they are modified by the gut microbiota, to virtually any organ, where they exert their pleiotropic physiological effects. The chemical variety of BAs, to a large extent determined by the gut microbiome, also allows for a complex fine-tuning of adaptive responses in our body. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms by which BA receptors coordinate several aspects of physiology and highlights new therapeutic strategies for diseases underlying pathological BA signaling.

Ursodeoxycholic acid inhibits ENaC and Na/K pump activity to restore airway surface liquid height in cystic fibrosis bronchial epithelial cells

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) that in the airways result in reduced Cl^- secretion and increased Na⁺ absorption, airway surface liquid (ASL) dehydration, decreased mucociliary clearance, infection and inflammation leading to lung injury. Cystic fibrosis patients often present with bile acids in the lower airways, however the effects of bile acids on ASL and ion transport in CF airways are not known. Secondary bile acids, such as ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), have been shown to modulate immune responses and epithelial ion transport. Here we investigated the effects of UDCA in normal and CF airway epithelial cell models. NuLi-1 (normal genotype) and CuFi-1 (CF genotype, Δ508/Δ508) primary immortalized airway epithelial cells were grown under an air-liquid interface. Electrogenic transepithelial ion transport was measured by short-circuit current (Isc) across cell monolayers mounted in Ussing chambers. We observed that UDCA (500 μM, 60 min, bilateral) decreased the basal Isc and ENaC currents in both NuLi-1 and CuFi-1 cells. UDCA inhibited the amiloride-sensitive ENaC current by 44% in NulI-1 monolayers and by 30% in CuFi-1 cells. Interestingly, UDCA also inhibited currents through the basolateral Na/K pump in both Nuli-1 and CuFi-1 monolayers without alterting the expression of ENaC or Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase proteins. The airway surface liquid height is regulated by transpeithelial Na⁺ absorption (ENaC) and Cl^- secretion (CFTR) in normal airway but mainly by ENaC activity in CF epithelia when Cl^- secretion is compromised by CFTR mutations. UDCA increased ASL height by 50% in Nuli-1 and by 40% in CUFI-1 monolayers. In conclusion, we demonstrate a previously unknown effect of UDCA to inhibit ENaC activity and increase ASL height in normal and CF human airway epithelial cells suggesting a therapeutic potential for UDCA in CF lung disease.

Guts and Gall: Bile Acids in Regulation of Intestinal Epithelial Function in Health and Disease

Epithelial cells line the entire surface of the gastrointestinal tract and its accessory organs where they primarily function in transporting digestive enzymes, nutrients, electrolytes, and fluid to and from the luminal contents. At the same time, epithelial cells are responsible for forming a physical and biochemical barrier that prevents the entry into the body of harmful agents, such as bacteria and their toxins. Dysregulation of epithelial transport and barrier function is associated with the pathogenesis of a number of conditions throughout the intestine, such as inflammatory bowel disease, chronic diarrhea, pancreatitis, reflux esophagitis, and cancer. Driven by discovery of specific receptors on intestinal epithelial cells, new insights into mechanisms that control their synthesis and enterohepatic circulation, and a growing appreciation of their roles as bioactive bacterial metabolites, bile acids are currently receiving a great deal of interest as critical regulators of epithelial function in health and disease. This review aims to summarize recent advances in this field and to highlight how bile acids are now emerging as exciting new targets for disease intervention.

Chronic diarrhoea following surgery for colon cancer-frequency, causes and treatment options

PURPOSE

The growing population of survivors after colon cancer warrants increased attention to the long-term outcome of surgical treatment. The change in bowel anatomy after resection disrupts normal gastrointestinal function and may cause symptoms. Thus, many patients surviving colon cancer have to cope with bowel dysfunction for the rest of their lives. We here aim to provide an overview of the literature on this topic.

METHODS

We review long-term functional outcomes of surgical treatment for colon cancer, the underlying pathology, and treatment options.

RESULTS

Common symptoms include constipation, urge for defecation and diarrhoea. Causes of diarrhoea after colon cancer surgery are sparsely studied, but they probably include bile acid malabsorption, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and disruption of the ileal brake. Specific diagnosis should be made to allow individual treatment based on the underlying pathology. Studies on treatment of functional problems after surgery for colon cancer are extremely few, but some lessons can be drawn from the treatment of other patient groups having undergone colon surgery.

CONCLUSION

Diarrhoea is likely a common long-term complication after colon cancer surgery. Attention to this complication and a specific diagnosis will aid the targeted treatment of patients suffering from this complication.

Characterization of AQPs in Mouse, Rat, and Human Colon and Their Selective Regulation by Bile Acids

In normal individuals, the epithelium of the colon absorbs 1.5–2 l of water a day to generate dehydrated feces. However, in the condition of bile acid malabsorption (BAM), an excess of bile acids in the colon results in diarrhea. Several studies have attempted to address the mechanisms contributing to BAM induced by various bile acids. However, none have addressed a potential dysregulation of aquaporin (AQP) water channels, which are responsible for the majority of transcellular water transport in epithelial cells, as a contributing factor to the onset of diarrhea and the pathogenesis of BAM. In this study, we aimed to systematically analyze the expression of AQPs in colonic epithelia from rat, mouse, and human and determine whether their expression is altered in a rat model of BAM. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics, RT-PCR, and western blotting identified various AQPs in isolated colonic epithelial cells from rats (AQP1, 3, 4, 7, 8) and mice (AQP1, 4, 8). Several AQPs were also detected in human colon (AQP1, 3, 4, 7–9). Immunohistochemistry localized AQP1 to the apical plasma membrane of epithelial cells in the bottom of the crypts, whereas AQP3 (rat, human) and AQP4 (mice, human) were localized predominantly in the basolateral plasma membrane. AQP8 was localized intracellularly and at the apical plasma membrane of epithelial cells. Rats fed sodium cholate for 72 h had significantly increased fecal water content, suggesting development of BAM-associated diarrhea. Colonic epithelial cells isolated from this model had significantly altered levels of AQP3, 7, and 8, suggesting that these AQPs may be involved in the pathogenesis of bile acid-induced diarrhea.

The Farnesoid X Receptor: Good for BAD

Diarrhea is a feature of several chronic intestinal disorders that are associated with increased delivery of bile acids into the colon. Although the prevalence of bile acid diarrhea is high, affecting approximately 1% of the adult population, current therapies often are unsatisfactory. By virtue of its capacity to inhibit colonic epithelial fluid secretion and to down-regulate hepatic bile acid synthesis through induction of the ileal fibroblast growth factor 19 release, the nuclear bile acid receptor, farnesoid X receptor, represents a promising target for the development of new therapeutic approaches. Here, we review our current understanding of the pathophysiology of bile acid diarrhea and the current evidence supporting a role for farnesoid X receptor agonists in treatment of the disease.

Chenodeoxycholic acid requires activation of EGFR, EPAC, and Ca2+ to stimulate CFTR-dependent Cl- secretion in human colonic T84 cells

Bile acids are known to initiate intricate signaling events in a variety of tissues, primarily in the liver and gastrointestinal tract. Of the known bile acids, only the 7α-dihydroxy species, deoxycholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), and their conjugates, activate processes that stimulate epithelial Cl^- secretion. We have previously published that CDCA acts in a rapid manner to stimulate colonic ion secretion via protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated activation of the dominant Cl^- channel, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) (Ao M, Sarathy J, Domingue J, Alrefai WA, and Rao MC. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 305: C447-C456, 2013); however, PKA signaling did not account for the entire CDCA response. Here we show that in human colonic T84 cells, CDCA's induction of CFTR activity, measured as changes in short-circuit current (I_sc), is dependent on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation and does not involve the bile acid receptors TGR5 or farnesoid X receptor. CDCA activation of Cl^- secretion does not require Src, mitogen-activated protein kinases, or phosphoinositide 3-kinase downstream of EGFR but does require an increase in cytosolic Ca²⁺ In addition to PKA signaling, we found that the CDCA response requires the novel involvement of the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC). EPAC is a known hub for cAMP and Ca²⁺ cross talk. Downstream of EPAC, CDCA activates Rap2, and changes in free cytosolic Ca²⁺ were dependent on both EPAC and EGFR activation. This study establishes the complexity of CDCA signaling in the colonic epithelium and shows the contribution of EGFR, EPAC, and Ca²⁺ in CDCA-induced activation of CFTR-dependent Cl^- secretion.

Role of ion transporters in the bile acid-induced esophageal injury

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is considered to be the most severe complication of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which the prolonged, repetitive episodes of combined acidic and biliary reflux result in the replacement of the squamous esophageal lining by columnar epithelium. Therefore, the acid-extruding mechanisms of esophageal epithelial cells (EECs) may play an important role in the defense. Our aim was to identify the presence of acid/base transporters on EECs and to investigate the effect of bile acids on their expressions and functions. Human EEC lines (CP-A and CP-D) were acutely exposed to bile acid cocktail (BAC) and the changes in intracellular pH (pHi) and Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) were measured by microfluorometry. mRNA and protein expression of ion transporters was investigated by RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. We have identified the presence of a Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE), Na(+)/HCO3 (-) cotransporter (NBC), and a Cl(-)-dependent HCO3 (-) secretory mechanism in CP-A and CP-D cells. Acute administration of BAC stimulated HCO3 (-) secretion in both cell lines and the NHE activity in CP-D cells by an inositol triphosphate-dependent calcium release. Chronic administration of BAC to EECs increased the expression of ion transporters compared with nontreated cells. A similar expression pattern was observed in biopsy samples from BE compared with normal epithelium. We have shown that acute administration of bile acids differently alters ion transport mechanisms of EECs, whereas chronic exposure to bile acids increases the expression of acid/base transporters. We speculate that these adaptive processes of EECs represent an important mucosal defense against the bile acid-induced epithelial injury.

Lithocholic acid attenuates cAMP-dependent Cl- secretion in human colonic epithelial T84 cells

Bile acids (BAs) play a complex role in colonic fluid secretion. We showed that dihydroxy BAs, but not the monohydroxy BA lithocholic acid (LCA), stimulate Cl(-) secretion in human colonic T84 cells (Ao M, Sarathy J, Domingue J, Alrefai WA, Rao MC. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 305: C447-C456, 2013). In this study, we explored the effect of LCA on the action of other secretagogues in T84 cells. While LCA (50 μM, 15 min) drastically (>90%) inhibited FSK-stimulated short-circuit current (Isc), it did not alter carbachol-stimulated Isc LCA did not alter basal Isc, transepithelial resistance, cell viability, or cytotoxicity. LCA's inhibitory effect was dose dependent, acted faster from the apical membrane, rapid, and not immediately reversible. LCA also prevented the Isc stimulated by the cAMP-dependent secretagogues 8-bromo-cAMP, lubiprostone, or chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA). The LCA inhibitory effect was BA specific, since CDCA, cholic acid, or taurodeoxycholic acid did not alter FSK or carbachol action. While LCA alone had no effect on intracellular cAMP concentration ([cAMP]i), it decreased FSK-stimulated [cAMP]i by 90%. Although LCA caused a small increase in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i), chelation by BAPTA-AM did not reverse LCA's effect on Isc LCA action does not appear to involve known BA receptors, farnesoid X receptor, vitamin D receptor, muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3, or bile acid-specific transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor 5. LCA significantly increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which was completely abolished by the MEK inhibitor PD-98059. Surprisingly PD-98059 did not reverse LCA's effect on Isc Finally, although LCA had no effect on basal Isc, nystatin permeabilization studies showed that LCA both stimulates an apical cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl(-) current and inhibits a basolateral K(+) current. In summary, 50 μM LCA greatly inhibits cAMP-stimulated Cl(-) secretion, making low doses of LCA of potential therapeutic interest for diarrheal diseases.

Bile acids stimulate chloride secretion through CFTR and calcium-activated Cl- channels in Calu-3 airway epithelial cells

Bile acids resulting from the aspiration of gastroesophageal refluxate are often present in the lower airways of people with cystic fibrosis and other respiratory distress diseases. Surprisingly, there is little or no information on the modulation of airway epithelial ion transport by bile acids. The secretory effect of a variety of conjugated and unconjugated secondary bile acids was investigated in Calu-3 airway epithelial cells grown under an air-liquid interface and mounted in Ussing chambers. Electrogenic transepithelial ion transport was measured as short-circuit current (Isc). The taurine-conjugated secondary bile acid, taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA), was found to be the most potent modulator of basal ion transport. Acute treatment (5 min) of Calu-3 cells with TDCA (25 μM) on the basolateral side caused a stimulation of Isc, and removal of extracellular Cl(-) abolished this response. TDCA produced an increase in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-dependent current that was abolished by pretreatment with the CFTR inhibitor CFTRinh172. TDCA treatment also increased Cl(-) secretion through calcium-activated chloride (CaCC) channels and increased the Na(+)/K(+) pump current. Acute treatment with TDCA resulted in a rapid cellular influx of Ca(2+) and increased cAMP levels in Calu-3 cells. Bile acid receptor-selective activation with INT-777 revealed TGR5 localized at the basolateral membrane as the receptor involved in TDCA-induced Cl(-) secretion. In summary, we demonstrate for the first time that low concentrations of bile acids can modulate Cl(-) secretion in airway epithelial cells, and this effect is dependent on both the duration and sidedness of exposure to the bile acid.

Chenodeoxycholic acid stimulates Cl(-) secretion via cAMP signaling and increases cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator phosphorylation in T84 cells

High levels of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and deoxycholic acid stimulate Cl(-) secretion in mammalian colonic epithelia. While different second messengers have been implicated in this action, the specific signaling pathway has not been fully delineated. Using human colon carcinoma T84 cells, we elucidated this cascade assessing Cl(-) transport by measuring I(-) efflux and short-circuit current (Isc). CDCA (500 μM) rapidly increases I(-) efflux, and we confirmed by Isc that it elicits a larger response when added to the basolateral vs. apical surface. However, preincubation with cytokines increases the monolayer responsiveness to apical addition by 55%. Nystatin permeabilization studies demonstrate that CDCA stimulates an eletrogenic apical Cl(-) but not a basolateral K(+) current. Furthermore, CDCA-induced Isc was inhibited (≥67%) by bumetanide, BaCl2, and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) inhibitor CFTRinh-172. CDCA-stimulated Isc was decreased 43% by the adenylate cyclase inhibitor MDL12330A and CDCA increases intracellular cAMP concentration. The protein kinase A inhibitor H89 and the microtubule disrupting agent nocodazole, respectively, cause 94 and 47% reductions in CDCA-stimulated Isc. Immunoprecipitation with CFTR antibodies, followed by sequential immunoblotting with Pan-phospho and CFTR antibodies, shows that CDCA increases CFTR phosphorylation by approximately twofold. The rapidity and side specificity of the response to CDCA imply a membrane-mediated process. While CDCA effects are not blocked by the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine, T84 cells possess transcript and protein for the bile acid G protein-coupled receptor TGR5. These results demonstrate for the first time that CDCA activates CFTR via a cAMP-PKA pathway involving microtubules and imply that this occurs via a basolateral membrane receptor.

Ursodeoxycholic acid attenuates colonic epithelial secretory function

Dihydroxy bile acids, such as chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), are well known to promote colonic fluid and electrolyte secretion, thereby causing diarrhoea associated with bile acid malabsorption. However, CDCA is rapidly metabolised by colonic bacteria to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), the effects of which on epithelial transport are poorly characterised. Here, we investigated the role of UDCA in the regulation of colonic epithelial secretion. Cl(-) secretion was measured across voltage-clamped monolayers of T84 cells and muscle-stripped sections of mouse or human colon. Cell surface biotinylation was used to assess abundance/surface expression of transport proteins. Acute (15 min) treatment of T84 cells with bilateral UDCA attenuated Cl(-) secretory responses to the Ca(2+) and cAMP-dependent secretagogues carbachol (CCh) and forskolin (FSK) to 14.0 ± 3.8 and 40.2 ± 7.4% of controls, respectively (n = 18, P < 0.001). Investigation of the molecular targets involved revealed that UDCA acts by inhibiting Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity and basolateral K(+) channel currents, without altering their cell surface expression. In contrast, intraperitoneal administration of UDCA (25 mg kg(-1)) to mice enhanced agonist-induced colonic secretory responses, an effect we hypothesised to be due to bacterial metabolism of UDCA to lithocholic acid (LCA). Accordingly, LCA (50-200 μm) enhanced agonist-induced secretory responses in vitro and a metabolically stable UDCA analogue, 6α-methyl-UDCA, exerted anti-secretory actions in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, UDCA exerts direct anti-secretory actions on colonic epithelial cells and metabolically stable derivatives of the bile acid may offer a new approach for treating intestinal diseases associated with diarrhoea.

Bile Acid Inhibition of N-type Calcium Channel Currents from Sympathetic Ganglion Neurons

Under some pathological conditions as bile flow obstruction or liver diseases with the enterohepatic circulation being disrupted, regurgitation of bile acids into the systemic circulation occurs and the plasma level of bile acids increases. Bile acids in circulation may affect the nervous system. We examined this possibility by studying the effects of bile acids on gating of neuronal (N)-type Ca²⁺ channel that is essential for neurotransmitter release at synapses of the peripheral and central nervous system. N-type Ca²⁺ channel currents were recorded from bullfrog sympathetic neuron under a cell-attached mode using 100 mM Ba²⁺ as a charge carrier. Cholic acid (CA, 10^-6 M) that is relatively hydrophilic thus less cytotoxic was included in the pipette solution. CA suppressed the open probability of N-type Ca²⁺ channel, which appeared to be due to an increase in null (no activity) sweeps. For example, the proportion of null sweep in the presence of CA was ~40% at +40 mV as compared with ~8% in the control recorded without CA. Other single channel properties including slope conductance, single channel current amplitude, open and shut times were not significantly affected by CA being present. The results suggest that CA could modulate N-type Ca²⁺ channel gating at a concentration as low as 10^-6 M. Bile acids have been shown to activate nonselective cation conductance and depolarize the cell membrane. Under pathological conditions with increased circulating bile acids, CA suppression of N-type Ca²⁺ channel function may be beneficial against overexcitation of the synapses.

Physiological concentrations of bile acids down-regulate agonist induced secretion in colonic epithelial cells

In patients with bile acid malabsorption, high concentrations of bile acids enter the colon and stimulate Cl(-) and fluid secretion, thereby causing diarrhoea. However, deoxycholic acid (DCA), the predominant colonic bile acid, is normally present at lower concentrations where its role in regulating transport is unclear. Thus, the current study set out to investigate the effects of physiologically relevant DCA concentrations on colonic epithelial secretory function. Cl(-) secretion was measured as changes in short-circuit current across voltage-clamped T(84) cell monolayers. At high concentrations (0.5-1 mM), DCA acutely stimulated Cl(-) secretion but this effect was associated with cell injury, as evidenced by decreased transepithelial resistance (TER) and increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. In contrast, chronic (24 hrs) exposure to lower DCA concentrations (10-200 microM) inhibited responses to Ca(2+) and cAMP-dependent secretagogues without altering TER, LDH release, or secretagogue-induced increases in intracellular second messengers. Other bile acids - taurodeoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid and cholic acid - had similar antisecretory effects. DCA (50 microM) rapidly stimulated phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) and both ERK and p38 MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases). The EGFr inhibitor, AG1478, and the protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, reversed the antisecretory effects of DCA, while the MAPK inhibitors, PD98059 and SB203580, did not. In summary, our studies suggest that, in contrast to its acute prosecretory effects at pathophysiological concentrations, lower, physiologically relevant, levels of DCA chronically down-regulate colonic epithelial secretory function. On the basis of these data, we propose a novel role for bile acids as physiological regulators of colonic secretory capacity.

Intestinal bile acid physiology and pathophysiology

Bile acids (BAs) have a long established role in fat digestion in the intestine by acting as tensioactives, due to their amphipathic characteristics. BAs are reabsorbed very efficiently by the intestinal epithelium and recycled back to the liver via transport mechanisms that have been largely elucidated. The transport and synthesis of BAs are tightly regulated in part by specific plasma membrane receptors and nuclear receptors. In addition to their primary effect, BAs have been claimed to play a role in gastrointestinal cancer, intestinal inflammation and intestinal ionic transport. BAs are not equivalent in any of these biological activities, and structural requirements have been generally identified. In particular, some BAs may be useful for cancer chemoprevention and perhaps in inflammatory bowel disease, although further research is necessary in this field. This review covers the most recent developments in these aspects of BA intestinal biology.

Role of protein kinase C-delta in the age-dependent secretagogue action of bile acids in mammalian colon

The role of specific PKC isoforms in the regulation of epithelial Cl(-) secretion by Ca(2+)-dependent secretagogues remains controversial. In the developing rabbit distal colon, the bile acid taurodeoxycholate (TDC) acts via intracellular calcium to stimulate Cl(-) transport in adult, but not in young, animals, whereas the PKC activator phorbol dibutyrate (PDB) stimulates Cl(-) transport at all ages. We tested the hypothesis that specific PKC isoforms account for the age-specific effects of TDC. The effects of conventional (cPKC) and novel (nPKC) PKC-specific inhibitors on TDC- and PDB-stimulated Cl(-) transport in adult and weanling colonocytes were assessed by using 6-methoxy-quinolyl acetoethyl ester. In adult colonocytes, the cPKC inhibitor Gö-6976 inhibited PDB action but not TDC action, whereas the cPKC and nPKC inhibitor Gö-6850 blocked both TDC and PDB actions. Additionally, rottlerin and the PKC-delta-specific inhibitor peptide (deltaV1-1) inhibited TDC- and PDB-stimulated Cl(-) transport in adult colonocytes. Rottlerin also decreased TDC-stimulated short-circuit current in intact colonic epithelia. Only Gö-6976, but neither rottlerin nor deltaV1-1, inhibited PDB-stimulated transport in weanling colonocytes. Colonic lysates express PKC-alpha, -lambda, and -iota protein equally at all ages, but they do not express PKC-gamma or -theta at any age. Expression of PKC-beta and PKC-epsilon protein was newborn>adult>weanling, whereas PKC-delta was expressed in adult but not in weanling or newborn colonocytes. TDC (1.6-fold) and PDB (2.0-fold) stimulated PKC-delta enzymatic activity in adult colonocytes but failed to do so in weanling colonocytes. PKC-delta mRNA expression showed age dependence. Thus PKC-delta appears critical for the action of TDC in the adult colon, and its low expression in young animals may account for their inability to secrete in response to bile acids.

Taurodeoxycholate modulates apical Cl-/OH- exchange activity in Caco2 cells

Bile acid malabsorption has been shown to be associated with diarrhea in cases such as ileal resection Crohn's disease of the ileum, and radiation enteritis. The mechanisms of bile acid-induced diarrhea are not fully understood. Although the induction of colonic chloride secretion in response to bile acids has been extensively investigated, to date the direct effect of bile acids on intestinal chloride absorption has not been well defined. Therefore, the current studies were undertaken to investigate the effect of bile acids on the apical Cl(-)/OH(-) exchange process utilizing Caco2 monolayers as an in vitro cellular model. Cl(-)/OH(-) exchange activity was measured as DIDS-sensitive pH gradient-driven (36)Cl uptake. The results are summarized as follows: (i) short-term exposure (20 min) of Caco2 cells to taurodeoxycholate (TDC; 200 microM) and glycochenodeoxycholate (GCDC; 200 microM) acids significantly inhibited apical Cl(-)/OH(-) exchange (by approximately 60-70%); (ii) the Ca(2+) chelator BAPTA-AM blocked the inhibition by TDC; (iii) the reduction in Cl(-)/OH(-) exchange by TDC was reversed by the PKC inhibitor, chelerythrine chloride; (iv) functional and inhibitor studies indicated that TDC induced inhibition of Cl(-)/OH(-) exchange was mediated via the activation of the PKC beta I isoform; (v) the effect of TDC on apical Cl(-)/OH(-) exchange was completely blocked by the PI3 kinase inhibitor LY294002 (5 microM); and (vi) the PKA inhibitor, RpcAMP, had no effect on TDC induced inhibition of Cl(-)/OH(-) exchange. In conclusion, our studies provide direct evidence for inhibition of human intestinal apical Cl(-)/OH(-) exchange activity by bile acids via Ca(2+)-, PI3 kinase-, and PKC beta I-dependent pathways in Caco2 cells.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase facilitates bile acid-induced Ca(2+) responses in pancreatic acinar cells

Bile acids are known to induce Ca(2+) signals in pancreatic acinar cells. We have recently shown that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) regulates changes in free cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) elicited by CCK by inhibiting sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA). The present study sought to determine whether PI3K regulates bile acid-induced [Ca(2+)](i) responses. In pancreatic acinar cells, pharmacological inhibition of PI3K with LY-294002 or wortmannin inhibited [Ca(2+)](i) responses to taurolithocholic acid 3-sulfate (TLC-S) and taurochenodeoxycholate (TCDC). Furthermore, genetic deletion of the PI3K gamma-isoform also decreased [Ca(2+)](i) responses to bile acids. Depletion of CCK-sensitive intracellular Ca(2+) pools or application of caffeine inhibited bile acid-induced [Ca(2+)](i) signals, indicating that bile acids release Ca(2+) from agonist-sensitive endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stores via an inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate-dependent mechanism. PI3K inhibitors increased the amount of Ca(2+) in intracellular stores during the exposure of acinar cells to bile acids, suggesting that PI3K negatively regulates SERCA-dependent Ca(2+) reloading into the ER. Bile acids inhibited Ca(2+) reloading into ER in permeabilized acinar cells. This effect was augmented by phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP(3)), suggesting that both bile acids and PI3K act synergistically to inhibit SERCA. Furthermore, inhibition of PI3K by LY-294002 completely inhibited trypsinogen activation caused by the bile acid TLC-S. Our results indicate that PI3K and its product, PIP(3), facilitate bile acid-induced [Ca(2+)](i) responses in pancreatic acinar cells through inhibition of SERCA-dependent Ca(2+) reloading into the ER and that bile acid-induced trypsinogen activation is mediated by PI3K. The findings have important implications for the mechanism of acute pancreatitis since [Ca(2+)](i) increases and trypsinogen activation mediate key pathological processes in this disorder.

Bile acid-induced secretion in polarized monolayers of T84 colonic epithelial cells: Structure-activity relationships

Bile acid epimers and side-chain homologues are present in the human colon. To test whether such bile acids possess secretory activity, cultured T84 colonic epithelial cells were used to quantify the secretory properties of synthetic epimers and homologues of deoxycholic acid (DCA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA). In our study, chloride secretion was measured as changes in short-circuit current (DeltaI(sc), in microA/cm2) with the use of voltage-clamped monolayers of T84 cells mounted in Ussing chambers. Bile acids were added at 0.5 mM, a concentration that did not alter transepithelial resistance. Data were expressed as peak DeltaI(sc) (means +/- SD). When added bilaterally, DCA stimulated a DeltaI(sc) response of 15.7 +/- 12.5 microA/cm2. The 12beta-OH epimer of DCA was less potent (DeltaI(sc) = 8.0 +/- 1.7 microA/cm2), whereas its 3beta-OH epimer had no effect. CDCA stimulated secretion (DeltaI(sc) = 8.2 +/- 5.5 microA/cm2), whereas both its 7beta-OH and 3beta-OH epimers were inactive, as was lithocholic acid. HomoDCA (1 additional side-chain carbon) was active (DeltaI(sc) = 7.8 +/- 4.8 microA/cm2), whereas norDCA (1 fewer carbon) and dinorDCA (2 fewer carbons) were not. Taurine conjugates of DCA and CDCA stimulated secretion (DeltaI(sc) = 12.3 +/- 7.5 and 8.8 +/- 4.8 microA/cm2, respectively) from the basolateral side but not the apical side. Uptake of taurine conjugates from the basolateral but not the apical side was shown by mass spectrometry. These studies indicate marked structural specificity for bile acid-induced chloride secretion and show that modification of bile acid structure by colonic bacteria modulates the secretory properties of these endogenous secretagogues.

Bile acids induce Ca2+ release from both the endoplasmic reticulum and acidic intracellular calcium stores through activation of inositol trisphosphate receptors and ryanodine receptors

Gallstones can cause acute pancreatitis, an often fatal disease in which the pancreas digests itself. This is probably because of biliary reflux into the pancreatic duct and subsequent bile acid action on the acinar cells. Because Ca(2+) toxicity is important for the cellular damage in pancreatitis, we have studied the mechanisms by which the bile acid taurolithocholic acid 3-sulfate (TLC-S) liberates Ca(2+). Using two-photon plasma membrane permeabilization and measurement of [Ca(2+)] inside intracellular stores at the cell base (dominated by ER) and near the apex (dominated by secretory granules), we have characterized the Ca(2+) release pathways. Inhibition of inositol trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)Rs), by caffeine and 2-APB, reduced Ca(2+) release from both the ER and an acidic pool in the granular area. Inhibition of ryanodine receptors (RyRs) by ruthenium red (RR) also reduced TLC-S induced liberation from both stores. Combined inhibition of IP(3)Rs and RyRs abolished Ca(2+) release. RyR activation depends on receptors for nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP), because inactivation by a high NAADP concentration inhibited release from both stores, whereas a cyclic ADPR-ribose antagonist had no effect. Bile acid-elicited intracellular Ca(2+) liberation from both the ER and the apical acidic stores depends on both RyRs and IP(3)Rs.

Bile acids enhance invasiveness of Cryptosporidium spp. into cultured cells

Bile salts such as sodium taurocholate (NaTC) are routinely used to induce the excystation of Cryptosporidium oocysts. Here we show that NaTC significantly enhanced the invasion of several cultured cell lines by freshly excysted Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis sporozoites. A variety of purified bile salts or total bile from bovine also enhanced the invasion of cultured cells by C. parvum. Further studies demonstrated that NaTC increased protein secretion and gliding motility of sporozoites, the key processes for successful invasion. These observations may lead to improved Cryptosporidium infectivity of cultured cells and help future studies on the host-parasite interaction.

Weanling, but not adult, rabbit colon absorbs bile acids: flux is linked to expression of putative bile acid transporters

Intestinal handling of bile acids is age dependent; adult, but not newborn, ileum absorbs bile acids, and adult, but not weanling or newborn, distal colon secretes Cl(-) in response to bile acids. Bile acid transport involving the apical Na(+)-dependent bile acid transporter (Asbt) and lipid-binding protein (LBP) is well characterized in the ileum, but little is known about colonic bile acid transport. We investigated colonic bile acid transport and the nature of the underlying transporters and receptors. Colon from adult, weanling, and newborn rabbits was screened by semiquantitative RT-PCR for Asbt, its truncated variant t-Asbt, LBP, multidrug resistance-associated protein 3, organic solute transporter-alpha, and farnesoid X receptor. Asbt and LBP showed maximal expression in weanling and significantly less expression in adult and newborn rabbits. The ileum, but not the colon, expressed t-Asbt. Asbt, LBP, and farnesoid X receptor mRNA expression in weanling colon parallel the profile in adult ileum, a tissue designed for high bile acid absorption. To examine their functional role, transepithelial [(3)H]taurocholate transport was measured in weanling and adult colon and ileum. Under short-circuit conditions, weanling colon and ileum and adult ileum showed net bile acid absorption: 1.23 +/- 0.62, 5.53 +/- 1.20, and 11.41 +/- 3.45 nmol x cm(-2) x h(-1), respectively. However, adult colon secreted bile acids (-1.39 +/- 0.47 nmol x cm(-2) x h(-1)). We demonstrate for the first time that weanling, but not adult, distal colon shows net bile acid absorption. Thus increased expression of Asbt and LBP in weanling colon, which is associated with parallel increases in taurocholate absorption, has relevance in enterohepatic conservation of bile acids when ileal bile acid recycling is not fully developed.

Bile salt diarrhea

Alterations in bile acid metabolism and in the enterohepatic circulation are often associated with chronic diarrhea and should be considered when more common causes of chronic diarrhea have been excluded. Bile acid diarrhea most often occurs in disease or resection of the terminal ileum, in which there is increased exposure of the colonic mucosa to bile salts with consequent activation of fluid and electrolyte secretion. Congenital or acquired defects in the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids also may lead to diarrhea. Although multiple diagnostic tests may be considered to confirm abnormal fecal bile acid losses, the most critical elements of the clinical evaluation of suspected bile acid diarrhea are a careful history to exclude more common causes of chronic diarrhea and a diagnostic trial of bile acid-binding resins.

Activation of CFTR by ASBT-mediated bile salt absorption

In cholangiocytes, bile salt (BS) uptake via the apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) may evoke ductular flow by enhancing cAMP-mediated signaling to the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) anion channel. We considered that ASBT-mediated BS uptake in the distal ileum might also modulate intestinal fluid secretion. Taurocholate (TC) induced a biphasic rise in the short circuit current across ileal tissue, reflecting transepithelial electrogenic ion transport. This response was sensitive to bumetanide and largely abrogated in Cftr-null mice, indicating that it predominantly reflects CFTR-mediated Cl- secretion. The residual response in Cftr-null mice could be attributed to electrogenic ASBT activity, as it matched the TC-coupled absorptive Na+ flux. TC-evoked Cl- secretion required ASBT-mediated TC uptake, because it was blocked by a selective ASBT inhibitor and was restricted to the distal ileum. Suppression of neurotransmitter or prostaglandin release, blocking of the histamine H1 receptor, or pretreatment with 5-hydroxytryptamine did not abrogate the TC response, suggesting that neurocrine or immune mediators of Cl- secretion are not involved. Responses to TC were retained after carbachol treatment and after permeabilization of the basolateral membrane with nystatin, indicating that BS modulate CFTR channel gating rather than the driving force for Cl- exit. TC-induced Cl- secretion was maintained in cGMP-dependent protein kinase II-deficient mice and only partially inhibited by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor H89, suggesting a mechanism of CFTR activation different from cAMP or cGMP signaling. We conclude that active BS absorption in the ileum triggers CFTR activation and, consequently, local salt and water secretion, which may serve to prevent intestinal obstruction in the postprandial state.

Bile acids as carcinogens in human gastrointestinal cancers

Bile acids were first proposed to be carcinogens in 1939 and 1940. On the basis of later work with rodent models, bile acids came to be regarded as cancer promoters rather than carcinogens. However, considerable indirect evidence, obtained more recently, supports the view that bile acids are carcinogens in humans. At least 15 reports, from 1980 through 2003, indicate that bile acids cause DNA damage. The mechanism is probably indirect, involving induction of oxidative stress and production of reactive oxygen species that then damage DNA. Repeated DNA damage likely increases the mutation rate, including the mutation rate of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. Additional reports, from 1994 through 2002, indicate that bile acids, at the increased concentrations accompanying a high fat diet, induce frequent apoptosis. Those cells within the exposed population with reduced apoptosis capability tend to survive and selectively proliferate. That bile acids cause DNA damage and may select for apoptosis-resistant cells (both leading to increased mutation), indicates that bile acids are likely carcinogens. In humans, an increased incidence of cancer of the laryngopharyngeal tract, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, the small intestine (near the Ampulla of Vater) and the colon are associated with high levels of bile acids. The much larger number of cell generations in the colonic (and, likely, other gastrointestinal) epithelia of humans compared to rodents may allow time for induction and selection of mutations leading to cancer in humans, although not in rodents.

Bile acids induce a cationic current, depolarizing pancreatic acinar cells and increasing the intracellular Na+ concentration

Biliary disease is a major cause of acute pancreatitis. In this study we investigated the electrophysiological effects of bile acids on pancreatic acinar cells. In perforated patch clamp experiments we found that taurolithocholic acid 3-sulfate depolarized pancreatic acinar cells. At low bile acid concentrations this occurred without rise in the cytosolic calcium concentration. Measurements of the intracellular Na(+) concentration with the fluorescent probe Sodium Green revealed a substantial increase upon application of the bile acid. We found that bile acids induce Ca(2+)-dependent and Ca(2+)-independent components of the Na(+) concentration increase. The Ca(2+)-independent component was resolved in conditions when the cytosolic Ca(2+) level was buffered with a high concentration of the calcium chelator 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA). The Ca(2+)-dependent component of intracellular Na(+) increase was clearly seen during stimulation with the calcium-releasing agonist acetylcholine. During acetylcholine-induced Ca(2+) oscillations the recovery of cytosolic Na(+) was much slower than the recovery of Ca(2+), creating a possibility for the summation of Na(+) transients. The bile-induced Ca(2+)-independent current was found to be carried primarily by Na(+) and K(+), with only small Ca(2+) and Cl(-) contributions. Measurable activation of such a cationic current could be produced by a very low concentration of taurolithocholic acid 3-sulfate (10 microm). This bile acid induced a cationic current even when applied in sodium- and bicarbonate-free solution. Other bile acids, taurochenodeoxycholic acid, taurocholic acid, and bile itself also induced cationic currents. Bile-induced depolarization of acinar cells should have a profound effect on acinar fluid secretion and, consequently, on transport of secreted zymogens.

Estrogen decreases expression of chemokine receptors, and suppresses chemokine bioactivity in murine monocytes

PROBLEM

We propose that the ability of estrogen exposure to increase the probability of a woman developing breast cancer may be related to decreased chemokine activity and suppression of immune surveillance in mammary tissue. The present study was conducted to determine whether estrogen could decrease monocyte bioactivity through alteration of chemokine receptor expression.

METHOD OF STUDY

We examined the effect of estrogen and tamoxifen on the expression of the chemokine receptors CCR2 and CXCR3 on murine monocytes treated in culture and in vivo. Effects of estrogen on chemokine activation of monocytes were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Estrogen and tamoxifen significantly decreased expression of CCR2 and, to a lesser extent, CXCR3 on murine monocytes. Estrogen decreased chemotaxis of monocytes towards MCP-1/JE. The chemokines MCP-1/JE and MIP-1alpha were unable to evoke increases in intracellular calcium in murine monocytes treated with estrogen, alone or in combination with tamoxifen.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that estrogen suppresses the ability of monocytes to respond to certain chemokines, suggesting that estrogen exposure might decrease immune surveillance in tissues where the action of specific chemokines is involved.

Physiological concentrations of bile salts inhibit recovery of ischemic-injured porcine ileum

We have previously shown rapid in vitro recovery of barrier function in porcine ischemic-injured ileal mucosa, attributable principally to reductions in paracellular permeability. However, these experiments did not take into account the effects of luminal contents, such as bile salts. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the role of physiological concentrations of deoxycholic acid in recovery of mucosal barrier function. Porcine ileum was subjected to 45 min of ischemia, after which mucosa was mounted in Ussing chambers and exposed to varying concentrations of deoxycholic acid. The ischemic episode resulted in significant reductions in transepithelial electrical resistance (TER), which recovered to control levels of TER within 120 min, associated with significant reductions in mucosal-to-serosal (3)H-labeled mannitol flux. However, treatment of ischemic-injured tissues with 10(-5) M deoxycholic acid significantly inhibited recovery of TER with significant increases in mucosal-to-serosal (3)H-labeled mannitol flux, whereas 10(-6) M deoxycholic acid had no effect. Histological evaluation at 120 min revealed complete restitution regardless of treatment, indicating that the breakdown in barrier function was due to changes in paracellular permeability. Similar effects were noted with the application of 10(-5) M taurodeoxycholic acid, and the effects of deoxycholic acid were reversed with application of the Ca(2+)-mobilizing agent thapsigargin. Deoxycholic acid at physiological concentrations significantly impairs recovery of epithelial barrier function by an effect on paracellular pathways, and these effects appear to be Ca(2+) dependent.

Effects of bile acids on dog pancreatic duct epithelial cell secretion and monolayer resistance

Pancreatic duct epithelial cells (PDEC) mediate the secretion of fluid and electrolytes and are exposed to refluxed bile. In nontransformed cultured dog PDEC, which express many ion transport pathways of PDEC, 1 mM taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA) stimulated an (125)I(-) efflux inhibited by DIDS and 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid (NPPB) and a (86)Rb(+) efflux inhibited by charybdotoxin. Inhibition by 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA)-AM suggests mediation via increased intracellular Ca(2+) concentration, whereas the absence of lactate dehydrogenase release excludes cellular toxicity. At 1 mM, TDCA stimulated a larger (125)I(-) efflux than glycodeoxycholate; two dihydroxy bile acids, taurochenodeoxycholate and TDCA, were similarly effective, whereas a trihydroxy bile acid, taurocholate, was ineffective. In Ussing chambers, 1 mM serosal or 2 mM luminal TDCA stimulated an I(sc) increase from confluent PDEC monolayers. TDCA also stimulated 1) a short-circuit current (I(sc)) increase from basolaterally permeabilized PDEC subject to a serosal-to-luminal Cl(-) gradient that was inhibited by BAPTA-AM, DIDS, and NPPB and 2) an I(sc) increase from apically permeabilized PDEC subject to a luminal-to-serosal K(+) gradient inhibited by BAPTA-AM and charybdotoxin. Along with the efflux studies, these findings suggest that TDCA interacts directly with PDEC to stimulate Ca(2+)-activated apical Cl(-) channels and basolateral K(+) channels. Monolayer transepithelial resistance was only minimally affected by 1 mM serosal and 2 mM luminal TDCA but decreased after exposure to higher TDCA concentrations (2 mM serosal and 4 mM luminal). A secretory role for bile acids should be considered in pancreatic diseases associated with bile reflux.

Ca2+- and PKC-dependent stimulation of PGE2 synthesis by deoxycholic acid in human colonic fibroblasts

We investigated prostanoid biogenesis by human colonic fibroblasts (CCD-18Co cells and nine primary fibroblast cultures) exposed to a primary (cholic, CA) or a secondary (deoxycholic, DCA) bile acid. Basal PGE2 levels in CCD-18Co cultures and fibroblast strains initiated from normal and adenocarcinomatous colon, respectively, were 1.7 +/- 0.3, 4.0 +/- 2.0, and 15.0 +/- 4.8 ng/mg protein. Peak levels 24 h after exposure to DCA (300 microM) rose, respectively, seven-, six- and sevenfold, but CA elicited no such responses. Increases in PGE2 synthesis were preceded by sequential increases in PGH synthase-2 mRNA and protein expression and were fully prevented by a nonselective (indomethacin) or a selective (celecoxib) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. DCA, but not CA, caused abrupt, transient increases in fibroblast intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) approximately 1 min after exposure. Increased [Ca2+]i was required for DCA-mediated induction of PGE2 synthesis, and protein kinase C was a further essential component of this signaling pathway. Colonic fibroblasts may be a major target for prostanoid biogenesis induced by fecal bile acids and, potentially, other noxious actions of these agents.

Natural bile acids and synthetic analogues modulate large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channel activity in smooth muscle cells

Bile acids have been reported to produce relaxation of smooth muscle both in vitro and in vivo. The cellular mechanisms underlying bile acid-induced relaxation are largely unknown. Here we demonstrate, using patch-clamp techniques, that natural bile acids and synthetic analogues reversibly increase BK(Ca) channel activity in rabbit mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells. In excised inside-out patches bile acid-induced increases in channel activity are characterized by a parallel leftward shift in the activity-voltage relationship. This increase in BK(Ca) channel activity is not due to Ca(2+)-dependent mechanism(s) or changes in freely diffusible messengers, but to a direct action of the bile acid on the channel protein itself or some closely associated component in the cell membrane. For naturally occurring bile acids, the magnitude of bile acid-induced increase in BK(Ca) channel activity is inversely related to the number of hydroxyl groups in the bile acid molecule. By using synthetic analogues, we demonstrate that such increase in activity is not affected by several chemical modifications in the lateral chain of the molecule, but is markedly favored by polar groups in the side of the steroid rings opposite to the side where the methyl groups are located, which stresses the importance of the planar polarity of the molecule. Bile acid-induced increases in BK(Ca) channel activity are also observed in smooth muscle cells freshly dissociated from rabbit main pulmonary artery and gallbladder, raising the possibility that a direct activation of BK(Ca) channels by these planar steroids is a widespread phenomenon in many smooth muscle cell types. Bile acid concentrations that increase BK(Ca) channel activity in mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells are found in the systemic circulation under a variety of human pathophysiological conditions, and their ability to enhance BK(Ca) channel activity may explain their relaxing effect on smooth muscle.

Differences in Ca(2+) signaling underlie age-specific effects of secretagogues on colonic Cl(-) transport

Taurodeoxycholic acid (TDC) stimulates Cl(-) transport in adult (AD), but not weanling (WN) and newborn (NB), rabbit colonic epithelial cells (colonocytes). The present study demonstrates that stimuli like neurotensin (NT) are also age specific and identifies the age-dependent signaling step. Bile acid actions are segment and bile acid specific. Thus although TDC and taurochenodeoxycholate stimulate Cl(-) transport in AD distal but not proximal colon, taurocholate has no effect in either segment. TDC increases intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in AD, but not in WN and NB, colonocytes. In AD cells, TDC (5 min) action on Cl(-) transport needs intra- but not extracellular Ca(2+). NT, histamine, and bethanechol increase Cl(-) transport and [Ca(2+)](i) in AD, but not WN, distal colonocytes. However, A-23187 increased [Ca(2+)](i) and Cl(-) transport in all age groups, suggesting that Ca(2+)-sensitive Cl(-) transport is present from birth. Study of the proximal steps in Ca(2+) signaling revealed that NT, but not TDC, activates a GTP-binding protein, Galpha(q), in AD and WN cells. In addition, although WN and AD colonocytes had similar levels of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, NT and TDC increased 1,4,5-inositol trisphosphate content only in AD cells. Nonresponsiveness of WN cells to Ca(2+)-dependent stimuli, therefore, is due to the absence of measurable phospholipase C activity. Thus delays in Ca(2+) signaling afford a crucial protective mechanism to meet the changing demands of the developing colon.

Ion transport during growth and differentiation

The major function of the adult colon is to reabsorb fluid from the chyme. This ability to conserve salt and water is especially important in newborns, where reserves are small and diarrhea is frequent. Although much is known about regulation of Cl- transport in the adult colon, postnatal changes in electrolyte transport are not well characterized. We have established an in vitro model to study colonic epithelial cells (colonocytes) at different stages of development. Primary cultures were isolated from newborn, weanling, and adult rabbit colon and properties such as growth and Cl- transport characterized. The isolation procedure yielded a crypt-enriched population of cells, and the cell yield per gram mucosa increased with age. The colonocytes also showed an age-related decrease in attachment to extracellular matrix, with maximum attachment seen with Matrigel and collagen IV. The crypt enrichment was confirmed by demonstrating that the cell population was capable of transporting Cl-, which was stimulated by agents such as forskolin and phorbol esters at all ages. Agents that increased intracellular cGMP, however, did not increase Cl- transport at any age. It was interesting to observe that the secondary bile acid, taurodeoxycholate, stimulated Cl- transport only in the adult but not newborn or weanling distal colonocytes. We have demonstrated that rabbit distal colonocytes can be kept viable in culture and transport Cl- at all ages. However, the regulation of Cl- transport changes during ontogeny and depends on the signaling pathway.

Bile acids increase intracellular Ca(2+) concentration and nitric oxide production in vascular endothelial cells

The effects of bile acids on intracellular Ca(2+) concentration [Ca(2+)](i) and nitric oxide production were investigated in vascular endothelial cells. Whole-cell patch clamp techniques and fluorescence measurements of [Ca(2+)](i) were applied in vascular endothelial cells obtained from human umbilical and calf aortic endothelial cells. Nitric oxide released was determined by measuring the concentration of NO(2)(-). Deoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid and the taurine conjugates increased [Ca(2+)](i) concentration-dependently, while cholic acid showed no significant effect. These effects resulted from the first mobilization of Ca(2+) from an inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP(3))-sensitive store, which was released by ATP, then followed by Ca(2+) influx. Both bile acids and ATP induced the activation of Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) current. Oscillations of [Ca(2+)](i) were occasionally monitored with the Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) current in voltage-clamped cells and Ca(2+) measurements of single cells. The intracellular perfusion of heparin completely abolished the ATP effect, but failed to inhibit the bile acid effect. Deoxycholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid enhanced NO(2)(-) production concentration-dependently, while cholic acid did not enhance it. The bile acids-induced nitric oxide production was suppressed by N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, exclusion of extracellular Ca(2+) or N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-l-naphthalenesulphonamide hydrochloride (W-7) and calmidazolium, calmodulin inhibitors. These results provide novel evidence showing that bile acids increase [Ca(2+)](i) and subsequently nitric oxide production in vascular endothelial cells. The nitric oxide production induced by bile acids may be involved in the pathogenesis of circulatory abnormalities in liver diseases including cirrhosis.

Role of calcium in adaptive cytoprotection and cell injury induced by deoxycholate in human gastric cells

We have developed an in vitro model of adaptive cytoprotection induced by deoxycholate (DC) in human gastric cells and have shown that pretreatment with a low concentration of DC (mild irritant, 50 microM) significantly attenuates injury induced by a damaging concentration of DC (250 microM). This study was undertaken to assess the effect of the mild irritant on changes in intracellular Ca2+ and to determine if these perturbations account for its protective action. Protection conferred by the mild irritant was lost when any of its effects on intracellular Ca2+ were prevented: internal Ca2+ store release via phospholipase C and inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate sustained Ca2+ influx through store-operated Ca2+ channels or eventual Ca2+ efflux. We also investigated the relationship between Ca2+ accumulation and cellular injury induced by damaging concentrations of DC. In cells exposed to high concentrations of DC, sustained Ca2+ accumulation as a result of extracellular Ca2+ influx, but not transient changes in intracellular Ca2+ content, appeared to precede and induce cellular injury. We propose that the mild irritant disrupts normal Ca2+ homeostasis and that this perturbation elicits a cellular response (involving active Ca2+ efflux) that subsequently provides a protective action by limiting the magnitude of intracellular Ca2+ accumulation.

Bile salts stimulate mucin secretion by cultured dog gallbladder epithelial cells independent of their detergent effect

1. Bile salts stimulate mucin secretion by the gallbladder epithelium. We have investigated whether this stimulatory effect is due to a detergent effect of bile salts. 2. The bile salts taurocholic acid (TC) and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDC) and the detergents Triton X-100 (12.5-400 microM) and Tween-20 (0.1-3.2 mM) were applied to monolayers of cultured dog gallbladder epithelial cells. Mucin secretion was studied by measuring the secretion of [3H]N-acetyl-d-glucosamine-labelled glycoproteins. We also attempted to alter the fluidity of the apical membrane of the cells through extraction of cholesterol with beta-cyclodextrin (2.5-15 mM). The effect on TUDC-induced mucin secretion was studied. Cell viability was assessed by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage or 51Cr release. 3. In contrast with the bile salts, the detergents were not able to cause an increase in mucin secretion without causing concomitant cell lysis. Concentrations of detergent that increased mucin release (>100 microM Triton X-100, >0.8 mM Tween-20), caused increased LDH release. Incubation with beta-cyclodextrin resulted in effective extraction of cholesterol without causing an increase in 51Cr release. However, no effect of the presumed altered membrane fluidity on TUDC (10 mM)-induced mucin secretion was observed. 4. The stimulatory effect of bile salts on mucin secretion by gallbladder epithelial cells is not affected by the fluidity of the apical membrane of the cells and also cannot be mimicked by other detergents. We conclude that the ability of bile salts to cause mucin secretion by the gallbladder epithelium is not determined by their detergent properties.

Downregulation of a human colonic sialyltransferase by a secondary bile acid and a phorbol ester

Fecal constituents such as bile acids and increased sialylation of membrane glycoproteins by alpha-2,6-sialyltransferase (HST6N-1) may contribute to colorectal tumorigenesis. We hypothesized that bile acids and phorbol ester [12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)] would upregulate HST6N-1 in colonic cells. However, deoxycholate (DOC) (300 mumol/l), a secondary bile acid, and TPA (20 ng/ml) decreased expression of an approximately 100-kDa glycoprotein bearing alpha-2,6-linked sialic acid in a colon cancer cell line (T84) in vitro. HST6N-1 mRNA levels were reduced approximately 80% by treatment (< or = 24 h) with DOC or TPA but not by cholate, a primary bile acid. Treatment (24 h) with DOC or TPA decreased activity of this enzyme to 30% and 13% of control, respectively. These effects of DOC and TPA were transcriptional and were mediated by Ca2+ and protein kinase C, respectively. Thus DOC and TPA both downregulated, and did not upregulate, alpha-2,6-sialyltransferase expression in vitro, but by different transduction pathways. As colorectal tumors grow, their progressive removal from the fecal milieu that normally downregulates this enzyme may favor invasion and metastasis.

Modulation of K+ channels by arachidonic acid in T84 cells. I. Inhibition of the Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channel

The Cl- secretory response of colonic cells to Ca(2+)-mediated agonists is transient despite a sustained elevation of intracellular Ca2+. We evaluated the effects of second messengers proposed to limit Ca(2+)-mediated Cl- secretion on the basolateral membrane, Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channel (Kca) in colonic secretory cells, T84. Neither protein kinase C (PKC) nor inositol tetrakisphosphate (1,3,4,5 or 3,4,5,6 form) affected Kca in excised inside-out patches. In contrast, arachidonic acid (AA; 3 microM) potently inhibited Kca, reducing NP0, the product of number of channels and channel open probability, by 95%. The apparent inhibition constant for this AA effect was 425 nM. AA inhibited Kca in the presence of both indomethacin and nordihydroguaiaretic acid, blockers of the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways. In the presence of albumin, the effect of AA on Kca was reversed. A similar effect of AA was observed on Kca during outside-out recording. We determined also the effect of the cis-unsaturated fatty acid linoleate, the trans-unsaturated fatty acid elaidate, and the saturated fatty acid myristate. At 3 microM, all of these fatty acids inhibited Kca, reducing NP0 by 72-86%. Finally, the effect of the cytosolic phospholipase A2 inhibitor arachidonyltrifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF3) on the carbachol-induced short-circuit current (Isc) response was determined. In the presence of AACOCF3, the peak carbachol-induced Isc response was increased approximately 2.5-fold. Our results suggest that AA generation induced by Ca(2+)-mediated agonists may contribute to the dissociation observed between the rise in intracellular Ca2+ evoked by these agonists and the associated Cl- secretory response.

The pancreatic duct epithelium in vitro: bile acid injury and the effect of epidermal growth factor

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic duct epithelial cells form a barrier against parenchymal injury. The capacity of these cells to respond to injury has not been investigated. We hypothesized that epidermal growth factor (EGF), normally found in pancreatic juice, could protect the duct epithelium from damage.

METHODS

An explant system of duct cell culture developed in our lab with the bovine main pancreatic duct was used. Explants were exposed to bile acid (taurodeoxycholic acid [TDCA] 0, 0.05, 0.5, and 1 mmol/L) in the presence or absence of EGF (0, 1, 10, and 100 nmol/L) for 48 hours. Epithelial proliferation, damage, and growth out from the explant edge were assessed histologically. Expression of ductal markers and the extent of cell proliferation were determined by immunohistochemistry using specific antibodies.

RESULTS

Explant duct cells proliferated and demonstrated continued expression of key duct antigens in culture. TDCA produced dose-dependent mucosal damage and reduced epithelial density and growth from the edge. EGF increased cellular density in the native epithelium, but did not significantly alter growth from the edge. Mucosal damage created by TDCA exposure was significantly decreased with EGF and both growth from the edge and cell density were preserved.

CONCLUSIONS

Explants created from the bovine main pancreatic duct serve as an excellent model for the study of duct epithelial cells in vitro. These cells proliferate in response to EGF and are damaged by TDCA at concentrations below those normally associated with detergent-like activity and below levels observed in bile and duodenal secretions. The ability of EGF to protect from this injury suggests a potential physiologic role in the maintenance of the pancreatic duct mucosal barrier.

Sequential changes in biliary lipids and gallbladder ion transport during gallstone formation

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to correlate gallbladder (GB) Na+ and Cl-) fluxes with biliary lipid composition during the various stages of gallstone (GS) formation.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

GS formation is associated with altered GB ion transport and increased biliary lipid and Ca2+ concentrations. Nonetheless, the longitudinal relationship between ion transport and biliary lipid changes during GS formation has not been defined.

METHODS

Prairie dogs were fed standard (n = 18) or 1.2% cholesterol-enriched (n = 30) diets for 4 to 21 days. Hepatic and GB bile were analyzed for lipids and Ca2+. Animals were designated either Pre-Crystal, Crystal, or GS based on absence or presence of crystals or GS, respectively. GBs were mounted in Ussing chambers, electrophysiologic parameters were recorded, and unidirectional Na+ and Cl- fluxes measured.

RESULTS

Short-circuit current and potential difference were similar during Pre-Crystal and Crystal stages but significantly reduced during GS stage compared to controls and Pre-Crystals. Transepithelial resistance was similar in all groups. Net Na+ absorption was increased during Pre-Crystal but decreased during GS stage due to increased mucosa-to-serosa and serosa-to-mucosa flux, respectively. Increased serosa-to-mucosa flux of both Na+ and Cl- characterized the Crystal stage. Biliary lipids and Ca2+ increased progressively during various stages of GS formation and correlated positively with unidirectional fluxes of Na+ and Cl-.

CONCLUSION

GB epithelial ion transport changes sequentially during GS formation, with the early Pre-Crystal stage characterized by increased Na+ absorption, and the later Crystal stage accompanied by prosecretory stimuli on Na+ and Cl- fluxes, which may be due to elevated GB bile Ca2+ and total bile acids.

Ursodeoxycholate increases cytosolic calcium concentration and activates Cl- currents in a biliary cell line

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Ursodeoxycholate (UDC) stimulates a bicarbonate-rich choleresis, but the cellular mechanisms involved are not fully established. Because ductular secretion also increases biliary HCO3-concentration, the purpose of this study was to evaluate whether UDC has direct effects on duct cells by measuring intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and membrane Cl- permeability in Mz-ChA-1 human cholangiocarcinoma cells.

METHODS

Intracellular calcium levels were measured using fura-2 fluorescence. Membrane Cl- permeability was assessed in subconfluent monolayers using 125I efflux and in individuals cells using whole-cell patch clamp techniques.

RESULTS

Exposure to UDC (2.5 mmol/L) increased [Ca2+]i from 180 +/- 25 to 639 +/- 84 nmol/L due to release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores and stimulated 125I efflux approximately threefold above basal levels. Exposure to extracellular (1.25 mmol/L) or intracellular (100 mumol/L) UDC activated currents carried by Cl- ions; intracellular UDC increased current density from 4.7 +/- 1.3 to 32.5 +/- 8.8 pA/pF. UDC-stimulated currents were inhibited by chelation of intracellular calcium.

CONCLUSIONS

UDC in pharmacological concentrations increases [Ca2+]i and stimulates Cl- efflux through opening of Cl- channels in biliary cells. We speculate that UDC could increase bile flow by direct stimulation of ductular secretion and may be of therapeutic benefit to patients with cystic fibrosis who have impaired adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-dependent biliary secretion.

Mast cells and histamine contribute to bile acid-stimulated secretion in the mouse colon

Certain dihydroxy bile acids cause secretory diarrhea when present in the colonic lumen at inappropriately high concentrations. However, the mechanism underlying the secretagogue activity has not been fully elucidated. Experiments were performed to test whether mast cells and one of their major mediators, histamine, might contribute to the secretory effect. Chenodeoxycholic acid, a secretory bile acid, and ursodeoxycholic acid, a nonsecretory, hydrophilic bile acid, were compared for their ability to induce chloride secretion across segments of mouse colon mounted in Ussing chambers. Chenodeoxycholic acid, but not ursodeoxycholic acid, induced dose-dependent, biphasic chloride secretion that was greater after serosal than mucosal addition and was greater in distal versus proximal colonic segments. The secretory effect of chenodeoxycholic acid was inhibited by H1 histamine receptor antagonists and modified by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. However, it was unaffected by an H2 histamine receptor antagonist or by atropine. Secretory effects of chenodeoxycholic acid were diminished in magnitude and delayed in colonic tissues from mice with a genetic deficiency of tissue mast cells. Concentrations of chenodeoxycholic acid inducing secretion also released histamine from tissue segments. These data indicate that mast cells and histamine-mediated processes contribute significantly to the secretory effects of dihydroxy bile acids in the murine colon.

Increases of intracellular magnesium promote glycodeoxycholate-induced apoptosis in rat hepatocytes

Retention of bile salts by the hepatocyte contributes to liver injury during cholestasis. Although cell injury can occur by one of two mechanisms, necrosis versus apoptosis, information is lacking regarding apoptosis as a mechanism of cell death by bile salts. Our aim was to determine if the bile salt glycodeoxycholate (GDC) induces apoptosis in rat hepatocytes. Morphologic assessment included electron microscopy and quantitation of nuclear fragmentation by fluorescent microscopy. Biochemical studies included measurements of DNA fragmentation, in vitro endonuclease activity, cytosolic free Ca2+ (Cai2+), and cytosolic free Mg2+ (Mgi2+). Morphologic studies demonstrated typical features of apoptosis in GDC (50 microM) treated cells. The "ladder pattern" of DNA fragmentation was also present in DNA obtained from GDC-treated cells. In vitro endonuclease activity was 2.5-fold greater with Mg2+ than Ca2+. Although basal Cai2+ values did not change after addition of GDC, Mgi2+ increased twofold. Incubation of cells in an Mg(2+)-free medium prevented the rise in Mgi2+ and reduced nuclear and DNA fragmentation. In conclusion, GDC induces apoptosis in hepatocytes by a mechanism promoted by increases of Mgi2+ with stimulation of Mg(2+)-dependent endonucleases. These data suggest for the first time that changes of Mgi2+ may participate in the program of cellular events culminating in apoptosis.

Nitric oxide involvement in sodium choleate-induced fluid secretion and diarrhoea in rats

Bile salt-induced diarrhoea, net water and electrolyte secretion, gastrointestinal transit and nitric oxide (NO) synthase activity were studied in rats. NG-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (2.5-25 mg/kg i.p.), an inhibitor of NO synthase, and dexamethasone (0.03-0.3 mg/kg i.p.), an inhibitor of the inducible isoform of NO synthase, antagonized the diarrhoeal response. The NO precursor, L-arginine and isosorbide-5-mononitrate (an NO donor), reversed the inhibitory effect of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. The bile salt-stimulated fluid secretion, transit through the gut and NO synthase all were inhibited by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (but not NG-nitro-D-arginine methyl ester). NO synthase activity also was inhibited by dexamethasone. The results are consistent with bile salt induction of epithelial cell injury and concomitant synthesis of NO, mainly through activation of the inducible form of the enzyme. We believe that in this study NO is a mediator of intestinal secretion and motility changes that enhance transit of luminal contents through the gut, resulting in diarrhoea.