cAMP activation of chloride and fluid secretion across the rabbit alveolar epithelium

Active Na+ transport by alveolar epithelial cells has been demonstrated to contribute significantly to alveolar fluid clearance. However, the contribution of transepithelial Cl- movement to the reabsorption of isosmotic fluid across the alveolar epithelium in vivo has not been elucidated. We hypothesized that Cl- transport could be increased across the alveolar epithelium in vivo and across cultured alveolar type II cells by agents that increase intracellular cAMP (e.g., forskolin). In studies where 5% albumin in sodium methanesulfonate (a Cl--free solution) was administered into the lung, forskolin administration significantly increased intracellular influx of Cl- and fluid into the alveolar space. In vitro studies with cultured rabbit alveolar type II cell monolayers in Ussing chambers demonstrated that elevations in intracellular cAMP increase short-circuit current by increasing both Cl- secretion and Na+ reabsorption. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator channel blocker glibenclamide and the loop diuretic bumetanide partially decreased the forskolin-induced increase in short-circuit current. These data may explain the failure of agonist that stimulated intracellular cAMP to increase alveolar fluid clearance in the rabbit. Moreover, the data suggest that in the event Na+ absorptive pathways are damaged, transepithelial Cl- secretion and the consequent intra-alveolar fluid influx may be upregulated.

Regional adrenergic regulation of ion transport across the isolated porcine gallbladder

The regional transport properties of the porcine gallbladder epithelium were studied using Ussing chambers in which tissues were bathed in porcine Ringer solution. Under basal conditions, tissues from the neck absorbed Na and Cl. Fundic tissues also absorbed Na, but net Cl transport was not different from zero. Serosal norepinephrine (NE; 0.1 microM) stimulated Na and Cl absorption in the neck but only Cl absorption in the fundus. The effects of NE on Na and Cl transport were blocked by pretreatment with yohimbine, suggesting that alpha 2-adrenoceptors mediate the transport-related actions of this neurotransmitter. Serosal isoproterenol (0.1 microM) produced a tetrodotoxin-insensitive, propranolol-sensitive increase in the short-circuit current (Isc) in fundic tissues but not in tissues from the neck. The beta 2-adrenergic agonist salbutamol produced a response similar to that of isoproterenol. However, the beta 1-adrenergic agonist dobutamine had no effect. Isoproterenol was 5.8-fold more potent than salbutamol in increasing the Isc. A possible explanation for the regional effects of beta-agonists is that beta-adrenoceptors are localized to epithelial cells in the fundic region. These results and results obtained previously suggest regional differences in basal Na and Cl transport across the porcine gallbladder epithelium and that both alpha 2- and beta 2-adrenoceptors act to regulate ion transport in this tissue.