Intracellular Ca2+ inactivates an outwardly rectifying K+ current in human adenomatous parathyroid cells

We have used whole-cell patch-clamp techniques to study the conductances in the plasma membranes of human parathyroid cells. With a KCl-rich pipette solution containing Ca²⁺ buffered to a concentration of 0.1 mol/l, the zero current potential was –71.1±0.5 mV (n=19) and the whole-cell current/ voltage (I/V) relation had an inwardly rectifying and an outwardly rectifying component. The inwardly rectifying current activated instantaneously on hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane to potentials more negative than –80 mV, and a semi-logarithmic plot of the reversal potential of the inward current (estimated by extrapolation from the range in which it was linear) as a function of extracellular K⁺ concentration ([K⁺]_o) revealed a linear relation with a slope of 64 mV per decade change in [K⁺]_o, which is not significantly different from the Nernstian slope, demonstrating that the current was carried by K⁺ ions. The conductance exhibited a square root dependence on [K⁺]_o as has been observed for inward rectifiers in other tissues. The current was blocked by the presence of Ba²⁺ (1 mmol/l) or Cs⁺ (1.5 mmol/l) in the bath. The outwardly rectifying current was activated by depolarization of the membrane potential to potentials more positive than –20 mV. It was inhibited by replacement of pipette K⁺ with Cs⁺, indicating that it also was a K⁺ current: it was partially (42%) blocked when tetraethylammonium (TEA⁺, 10 mmol/l) was added to the bath. The outwardly rectifying, but not the inwardly rectifying K⁺ current, was regulated by intracellular free Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) such that increasing [Ca²⁺]_i above 10 nmol/l inhibited the outwardly rectifying current, the half-maximum effect being seen at 1 mol/l. Since it is known that increases in [Ca²⁺]_o produce increases in [Ca²⁺]_i, and that they depolarize parathyroid cells by reducing the membrane K⁺ conductance, we suggest that it is the reduction of the outwardly rectifying K⁺ conductance by increases in [Ca²⁺]_i which is responsible for the reduction in K⁺ conductance seen when [Ca²⁺]_o is increased.     

Small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels in bovine chromaffin cells

Simultaneous whole-cell patch-clamp and fura-2 fluorescence [Ca²⁺]_i measurements were used to characterize Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ currents in cultured bovine chromaffin cells. Extracellular application of histamine (10 M) induced a rise of [Ca²⁺]_i concomitantly with an outward current at holding potentials positive to –80 mV. The activation of the current reflected an increase in conductance, which did not depend on membrane potential in the range –80 mV to –40 mV. Increasing the extracellular K⁺ concentration to 20 mM at the holding potential of –78 mV was associated with inwardly directed currents during the [Ca²⁺]_i elevations induced either by histamine (10 M) or short voltage-clamp depolarizations. The current reversal potential was close to the K⁺ equilibrium potential, being a function of external K⁺ concentration. Current fluctuation analysis suggested a unit conductance of 3–5 pS for the channel that underlies this K⁺ current. The current could be blocked by apamin (1 M). Whole-cell current-clamp recordings snowed that histamine (10 M) application caused a transient hyperpolarization, which evolved in parallel with the [Ca²⁺]_i changes. It is proposed that a small-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channel is present in the membrane of bovine chromaffin cells and may be involved in regulating catecholamine secretion by the adrenal glands of various species.     

Hypertonicity in fused Madin-Darby canine kidney cells: transient rise in NaHCO3 followed by sustained KCl accumulation

We investigated mechanisms of regulatory volume increase in fused Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, a cell line originally derived from renal collecting duct. The intracellular ion concentrations as well as the concentration of the volume marker tetramethylammonium⁺ were measured by means of ion-selective microelectrodes. Application of hypertonic Ringer bicarbonate solution (+150 mmol/l mannitol) resulted in cell shrinkage to 84±2% of the initial cell volume (shrinkage expected for an ideal osmometer = 66%), indicating a significant regulatory volume increase. During the first 90 s of the hypertonic stress, a transient increase in intracellular Na⁺ and HCO ₃ ^– concentrations was observed. It was followed by a sustained increase in intracellular K⁺ and Cl^– concentrations. Ouabain (0.1 mmol/l) as well as amiloride (1 mmol/l) reduced K⁺ accumulation significantly, whereas the H⁺ /K⁺-ATPase inhibitor SCH 28080 had no effect. Hypertonic stress hyperpolarized the cell membrane potential by 19±2 mV, owing to the decrease of the ratio of Cl^– conductance to K⁺ conductance of the cell membrane. We conclude: (a) acute hypertonic stress activates Na⁺/H⁺ exchange in MDCK cells; (b) transient alteration of intracellular Na⁺ and pH stimulates Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and Cl^–/HCO ₃ ^– exchange, both leading to the sustained intracellular accumulation of KCl; (c) a high intracellular KCl concentration is maintained by the partial reversion of the Cl^–/K⁺ conductance ratio of the plasma membrane.     

The effect of ouabain on intracellular activities of K+, Na+, Cl−, H+ and Ca2+ in proximal tubules of frog kidneys

Using conventional and ion selective microelectrodes, the effect of ouabain (10^–4 mol/l) on peritubular cell membrane potential (PD_pt), on intracellular pH (pH_i) as well as on the intracellular ion activities of Cl^– (Cl _i ^– ), K⁺ (K _i ⁺ ), Na⁺ (Na _i ⁺ ) and Ca²⁺ (Ca _i ²⁺ ) was studied in proximal tubules of the isolated perfused frog kidney. In the absence of ouabain (PD_pt=–57.0±1.9 mV), the electrochemical potential difference of chloride (apparent {ie6-1} and of potassium {ie6-2} is directed from cell to bath, of H⁺ {ie6-3}, of Na⁺ {ie6-4} and of Ca²⁺ {ie6-5} from bath to cell. Ouabain leads to a gradual decline of PD_pt, which is reduced to half (PD_{pt, 1/2}) within 31±4.6 min (in presence of luminal glucose and phenylalanine), and to a decline of the absolute values of apparent {ie6-6}, of {ie6-7}, {ie6-8} and {ie6-9}. In contrast, an increase of {ei6-10} is observed. At PD_{pt, 1/2} apparent Cl _i ^– increases by 6.2±1.0 mmol/l, pH_i by 0.13±0.03, Ca _i ²⁺ by 185±21 nmol/l, and Na _i ⁺ by 34.2±4.6 mmol/l, whereas K _i ⁺ decreases by 37.7±2.2 mmol/l. The results suggest that the application of ouabain is followed by a decrease of peritubular cell membrane permeability to K⁺, by an accumulation of Ca²⁺, Na⁺ and HCO ₃ ^- in the cell and by a dissipation of the electrochemical Cl^– gradient.Supported by Österr. Forschungsrat, Proj. No. 4366     

Characterisation of Ca2+-dependent inwardly rectifying K+ currents in HeLa cells

The whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique was used to examine K⁺ currents in HeLa cells. Under quasi-physiological ionic gradients, using an intracellular solution containing 10^–7 mol/l free Ca²⁺, mainly outward currents were observed. Large inwardly rectifying currents were elicited in symmetrical 145 mmol/l KCl. Replacement of all extracellular K⁺ by isomolar Na⁺, greatly decreased inward currents and shifted the reversal potential as expected for K⁺ selectivity. The inwardly rectifying K⁺ currents exhibited little or no apparent voltage dependence within the range of from –120 mV to 120 mV. A square-root relationship between chord conductance and [K⁺]₀ at negative potentials could be established. The inwardly rectifying nature of the currents was unaltered after removal of intracellular Mg²⁺ and chelation with ATP and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Permeability ratios for other monovalent cations relative to K⁺ were: K⁺ (1.0)>Rb⁺ (0.86)>Cs⁺ (0.12)>Li⁺ (0.08)>Na⁺ (0.03). Slope conductance ratios measured at –100 mV were: Rb⁺ (1.66)>K⁺ (1.0)>Na⁺ (0.09)>Li⁺ (0.08)>Cs⁺ (0.06). K⁺ conductance was highly sensitive to intracellular free Ca²⁺ concentration. The relationship between conductance at 0 mV and Ca²⁺ concentration was well described by a Hill expression with a dissociation constant, K _D, of 70 nmol/l and a Hill coefficient, n, of 1.81. Extracellular Ba²⁺ blocked the currents in a concentration- and voltage-dependent manner. The dependence of the K _D for the blockade was analysed using a Woodhull-type treatment, locating the ion interaction site at 19 % of the distance across the electrical field of the membrane and a K _D (0 mV) of 7 mmol/l. Tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine were without effect whilst quinine and quinidine blocked the currents with concentrations for half-maximum effects equal to 7 mol/l and 3.5 mol/l, respectively. The unfractionated venom of the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus (LQV) blocked the K⁺ currents of HeLa cells. The toxins apamin and scyllatoxin had no detectable effect whilst charybdotoxin, a component of LQV, blocked in a voltage-dependent manner with half-maximal concentrations of 40 nmol/l at –120 mV and 189 nmol/l at 60 mV; blockade by charybdotoxin accounts for the effect of LQV. Application of ionomycin (5–10 mol/l), histamine (1 mmol/l) or bradykinin (1–10 mol/l) to cells dialysed with low-buffered intracellular solutions induced K⁺ currents showing inward rectification and a lack of voltage dependence.     

Effects of urea on K+ fluxes and cell volume in perfused rat liver

Exposure of the perfused rat liver to a perfusate made hyperosmotic by the presence of 200 mmol l^–1glucose led, as expected, to marked, transient hepatocellular shrinkage followed by volume-regulatory net K⁺ uptake. However, even after this volume-regulatory K⁺ uptake had ceased, the liver cells are still slightly shrunken. Withdrawal of glucose from the perfusate resulted in marked transient cell swelling, net K⁺ release from the liver and restoration of cell volume. However, when the Krebs-Henseleit perfusate was made hyperosmotic by the presence of urea (20–300 mM), there was no immediate decrease in liver mass, yet a slight and persistent cell shrinkage developing 2 min after the onset of exposure to urea. Surprisingly, urea induced concentration-dependent net K⁺ efflux from the liver and removal of urea net K⁺ reuptake from the inflowing perfusate. The urea (200 mM)-induced net K⁺ release resembled that observed following a lowering of the influent [NaCl]: making the perfusate hypoosmotic (245 mosmol l^–1, by reducing influent [NaCl] by 30 mM) gave roughly the same K⁺ response as hyperosmotic exposure (505 mosmol/l) resulting from the presence of 200 mM urea. The urea-induced K⁺ efflux was not inhibited in the presence of ouabain (1 mM), or in Ca⁺⁺-free perfusion, but was modified in the presence of quinidine (1 mM) or Ba⁺⁺ (1 mM). The direction in which the liver was perfused had no effect on the urea-induced net K⁺ release. Electrophysiological studies showed that urea led to quinidine-sensitive hyperpolarization and increase in K⁺ selectivity of plasma membranes, suggesting opening of K⁺ channels in the hepatocyte plasma membrane in response to urea. The data suggest that urea, but not glucose, enters the hepatocyte as quickly as water. Furthermore, urea at high concentrations apparently leads to K⁺ efflux from the hepatocyte and cell shrinkage, possibly due to opening of K⁺ channels in the hepatocyte plasma membrane.     

K+ channels in the basolateral membrane of rat cortical collecting duct

Impalement studies in isolated perfused cortical collecting ducts (CCD) of rats have shown that the basolateral membrane possesses a K⁺ conductive pathway. In the present study this pathway was investigated at the single-channel level using the patch-clamp technique. Patch-clamp recordings were obtained from enzymatically isolated CCD segments and freshly isolated CCD cells with the conventional cell-free, cell-attached and the cell-attached nystatin method. Two K⁺ channels were found which were highly active on the cell with a conductance of 67±5 pS (n=18) and 148±4 pS (n=21) with 145 mmol/l K⁺ in the pipette. In excised patches the first channel had a conductance of 28±2 pS (n=15), whereas the second one had a conductance of 85±1 pS (n=53) at 0 mV clamp voltage with 145 mmol/l K⁺ on one side and 3.6 mmol/l K⁺ on the other side of the membrane. So far it has not been possible to characterize the smaller channel further. Excised, and with symmetrical K⁺ concentrations of 145 mmol/l, the intermediate channel had a linear conductance of 198±19 pS (n=5). After excision in the inside-out configuration the open probability (P _o) of this channel was low (0.18±0.05, n=13) whereas in the outside-out configuration this channel had a threefold higher P _o (0.57±0.04, n=12). Several inhibitors were tested in excised membranes. Ba²⁺ (1 mmol/l), tetraethylammonium (TEA⁺, 10 mmol/l) and verapamil (0.1 mmol/l) all blocked this channel reversibly. Furthermore P _o was reversibly reduced by 10 nmol/l charybdotoxin (outside-out). This K⁺ channel of the basolateral membrane was regulated by cellular pH. P _o was reduced to 26±3% at pH 6.5 (n=6) and increased to 216±18% at pH 8.5 (n=7) compared to pH 7.4. Half-maximal inhibition was reached at pH 7.0. The channel had its highest P _o at a Ca²⁺ activity of less than 10^–8 mol/l (n=13). Increasing the Ca²⁺ activity to 1 mmol/l on the cytosolic side of the membrane resulted in a reduction of P _o to 13±3% (n=11). Half-maximal inhibition was reached at a Ca²⁺ activity of 10^–5 mol/l. The high activity of both K⁺ channels of the basolateral membrane on the cell indicates that they may serve for K⁺ recirculation across the basolateral membrane.     

Electrophysiological study of transport systems in isolated perfused pancreatic ducts: properties of the basolateral membrane

In order to study the mechanism of pancreatic HCO ₃ ^– transport, a perfused preparation of isolated intra-and interlobular ducts (i.d. 20–40 m) of rat pancreas was developed. Responses of the epithelium to changes in the bath ionic concentration and to addition of transport inhibitors was monitored by electrophysiological techniques. In this report some properties of the basolateral membrane of pancreatic duct cells are described. The transepithelial potential difference (PD_te) in ducts bathed in HCO ₃ ^– -free and HCO ₃ ^– -containing solution was –0.8 and –2.6 mV, respectively. The equivalent short circuit current (I_sc) under similar conditions was 26 and 50 A·cm^–2. The specific transepithelial resistance (R_te) was 88 cm². In control solutions the PD across the basolateral membrane (PD_bl) was –63±1 mV (n=314). Ouabain (3 mmol/l) depolarized PD_bl by 4.8±1.1 mV (n=6) within less than 10 s. When the bath K⁺ concentration was increased from 5 to 20 mmol/l, PD_bl depolarized by 15.9±0.9 mV (n=50). The same K⁺ concentration step had no effect on PD_bl if the ducts were exposed to Ba²⁺, a K⁺ channel blocker. Application of Ba²⁺ (1 mmol/l) alone depolarized PD_bl by 26.4±1.4 mV (n=19), while another K⁺ channel blocker TEA⁺ (50 mmol/l) depolarized PD_bl only by 7.7±2.0 mV (n=9). Addition of amiloride (1 mmol/l) to the bath caused 3–4 mV depolarization of PD_bl. Furosemide (0.1 mmol/l) and SITS (0.1 mmol/l) had no effect on PD_bl. An increase in the bath HCO ₃ ^– concentration from 0 to 25 mmol/l produced fast and sustained depolarization of PD_bl by 8.5±1.0 mV (n=149). It was investigated whether the effect of HCO ₃ ^– was due to a Na⁺⁺-dependent transport mechanism on the basolateral membrane, where the ion complex transferred into the cell would be positively charged, or whether it was due to decreased K⁺ conductance caused by lowered intracellular pH. Experiments showed that the HCO ₃ ^– effect was present even when the bath Na⁺ concentration was reduced to a nominal value of 0 mmol/l. Similarly, the HCO ₃ ^– effect remained unchanged after Ba²⁺ (5 mmol/l) was added to the bath. The results indicate that on the basolateral membrane of duct cells there is a ouabain sensitive (Na⁺+K⁺)-ATPase, a Ba²⁺ sensitive K⁺ conductance and an amiloride sensitive Na⁺/H⁺ antiport. The HCO ₃ ^– effect on PD_bl is most likely due to rheogenic anion exit across the luminal membrane.     

Whole-cell and perforated-patch recordings from O2-sensitive rat carotid body cells grown in short- and long-term culture

We are investigating transduction mechanisms in a major peripheral chemosensory organ, the rat carotid body, using short- and long-term dissociated cell cultures and patch-clamp, whole-cell recording. In this study membrane properties of cultured glomus or type I cells were characterized with conventional whole-cell recording and the new perforated-patch technique during control (160 Torr) and low-PO₂ (20 Torr) conditions. These cells contained voltage-gated channels typical of electrically excitable cells and had large input resistances (approx. 2 G). Under whole-cell voltage clamp the cells produced brief inactivating inward currents, which were largely abolished by 0.2–2.0 M tetrodotoxin, followed by prolonged outward currents, which were reduced by 5 mM tetraethylammonium or abolished by the substitution of Cs⁺ ions for K⁺ ions in the pipette. On exposure to hypoxia the outward K⁺ current was reduced typically by 15%–20% with both conventional whole-cell and perforated-patch recording, which minimizes washout of the cell's cytoplasm. This effect persisted in long-term culture and was specific, since the inward current was unaffected and, moreover, it did not occur in cultured small intensely fluorescent cells, which are closely related to glomus cells. These properties of cultured rat glomus cells are contrasted with those recently reported for freshly isolated rabbit glomus cells.     

Electrogenic Na+/K+-transport in human endothelial cells

Na⁺/K⁺ pump currents were measured in endothelial cells from human umbilical cord vein using the whole-cell or nystatin-perforated-patch-clamp technique combined with intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) measurements with Fura-2/AM. Loading endothelial cells through the patch pipette with 40 mmol/l [Na⁺] did not induce significant changes of [Ca²⁺]_i. Superfusing the cells with K⁺-free solutions also did not significantly affect [Ca²⁺]_i. Reapplication of K⁺ after superfusion of the cells with K⁺-free solution induced an outward current at a holding potential of 0 mV. This current was nearly completely blocked by 100 mol/l dihydroouabain (DHO) and was therefore identified as a Na⁺/K⁺ pump current. During block and reactivation of the Na⁺/K⁺ pump no changes in [Ca²⁺]_i could be observed. Pump currents were blocked concentration dependently by DHO. The concentration for half-maximal inhibition was 21 mol/l. This value is larger than that reported for other tissues and the block was practically irreversible. Insulin (10–1000 U/l) did not affect the pump currents. An increase of the intracellular Na⁺ concentration ([Na⁺]_i) enhanced the amplitude of the pump current. Half-maximal activation of the pump current by [Na⁺]_i occurred at about 60 mmol/l. The concentration for half-maximal activation by extracellular K⁺ was 2.4±1.2 mmol/l, and 0.4±0.1 and 8.7±0.7 mmol/l for Tl⁺ and NH₄ ⁺ respectively. The voltage dependence of the DHO-sensitive current was obtained by applying linear voltage ramps. Its reversal potential was more negative than –150 mV. Pump currents measured with the conventional whole-cell technique were about four times smaller than pump currents recorded with the nystatin-perforated-patch method. If however 100 mol/l guanosine 5-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPS) were added to the pipette solution, the currents measured in the ruptured-whole-cell-mode were not significantly different from the currents measured with the perforated-patch technique. We suppose that the use of the perforated-patch technique prevents wash out of a guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G-protein)-connected intracellular regulator that is necessary for pump activation.     

Effect of NH4 +/NH3 on cytosolic pH and the K+ channels of freshly isolated cells from the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop

The conductance properties of the luminal membrane of cells from the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop of rat kidney (TAL) are dominated by K⁺. In excised membrane patches the luminal K⁺ channel is regulated by pH changes on the cytosolic side. To examine this pH regulation in intact cells of freshly isolated TAL segments we measured the membrane voltage (V _m) in slow-whole-cell (SWC) recordings and the open probability (P _o) of K⁺ channels in the cell-attached nystatin (CAN) configuration, where channel activity and part of V _m can be recorded. The pipette solution contained K⁺ 125 mmol/l and Cl^– 32 mmol/l. Intracellular pH was determined by 2,7 bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5,(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) fluorescence. pH changes were induced by the addition of 10 mmol/l NH₄ ⁺/NH₃ to the bath. In the presence of NH₄ ⁺/NH₃ intracellular pH acidified by 0.53±0.11 units (n=7). Inhibition of the Na⁺2Cl^– K⁺ cotransporter by furosemide (0.1 mmol/l) reversed this effect and led to a transient alkalinisation by 0.62±0.14 units (n=7). In SWC experiments V _m of TAL cells was -72±1 mV (n=70). NH₄ ⁺/NH₃ depolarised V _m by 22±2 mV (n=25). In 11 SWC experiments furosemide (0.1 mmol/l) attenuated the depolarising effect of NH₄ ⁺ from 24±3 mV to 7±3 mV. Under control conditions the single-channel conductance of TAL K⁺ channels in CAN experiments was 66±5 pS and the reversal voltage for K⁺ currents was 70±2 mV (n=35). The P _o of K⁺ channels in CAN patches was reduced by NH₄ ⁺/NH₃ from 0.45±0.15 to 0.09±0.07 (n=7). NH₄ ⁺/NH₃ exposure depolarised the zero current voltage of the permeabilised patches by-9.7±3.6 mV (n=5). The results show that TAL K⁺ channels are regulated by cytosolic pH in the intact cell. The cytosolic pH is acidified by NH₄ ⁺/NH₃ exposure at concentrations which are physiologically relevant because Na⁺2Cl^–K⁺(NH₄ ⁺) cotransporter-mediated import of NH₄ ⁺ exceeds the rate of NH₃ diffusion into the TAL. K⁺ channels are inhibited by this acidification and the cells depolarise. In the presence of furosemide TAL cells alkalinise proving that NH₄ ⁺ uptake occurs by the Na⁺2Cl^–K⁺ cotransporter. The findings that, in the presence of NH₄ ⁺/NH₃ and furosemide, V _m is not completely repolarised and that K⁺ channels are not activated suggest that the respective K⁺ channels may in addition to their pH regulation be inhibited directly by NH₄ ⁺/NH₃.     

pH dependence of K+ conductances of rat cortical collecting duct principal cells

The K⁺ channels of the principal cells of rat cortical collecting duct (CCD) are pH sensitive in excised membranes. K⁺ secretion is decreased with increased H⁺ secretion during acidosis. We examined whether the pH sensitivity of these K⁺ channels is present also in the intact cell and thus could explain the coupling between K⁺ and H⁺ secretion. Membrane voltages (V _m), whole-cell conductances (g _c), and single-channel currents of K⁺ channels were recorded from freshly isolated CCD cells or isolated CCD segments with the patch-clamp method. Intracellular pH (pH_i) was measured using the pH-sensitive fluorescent dye 2-7-bis(carboxyethyl)-5-6-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF). Acetate (20 mmol/l) had no effect on V _m, g _c, or the activity of the K⁺ channels in these cells. Acetate, however, acidified pH_i slightly by 0.17±0.04 pH units (n=19). V _m depolarized by 12±3 mV (n=26) and by 23±2 mV (n=66) and g _c decreased by 26±5% (n=13) and by 55±5% (n=12) with 3–5 or 8–10% CO₂, respectively. The same CO₂ concentrations decreased pH_i by 0.49±0.07 (n=15) and 0.73±0.11 pH units (n=12), respectively. Open probability (P _o) of all four K⁺ channels in the intact rat CCD cells was reversibly inhibited by 8–10% CO₂. pH_i increased with the addition of 20 mmol/l NH₄ ⁺/NH₃ by a maximum of 0.64±0.08 pH units (n=33) and acidified transiently by 0.37±0.05 pH units (n=33) upon NH₄ ⁺/NH₃ removal. In the presence of NH₄ ⁺/NH₃ V _m depolarized by 16±2 mV (n=66) and g _c decreased by 26±7% (n=16). The activity of all four K⁺ channels was also strongly inhibited in the presence of NH₄ ⁺/NH₃. The effect of NH₄ ⁺/NH₃ on V _m and g _c was markedly increased when the pH of the NH₄ ⁺/NH₃-containing solution was set to 8.5 or 9.2. From these data we conclude that cellular acidification in rat CCD principal cells down-regulates K⁺ conductances, thus reduces K⁺ secretion by direct inhibition of K⁺ channel activity. This pH dependence is present in all four K⁺ channels of the rat CCD. The inhibition of K⁺ channels by NH₄ ⁺/NH₃ is independent of changes in pH_i and rather involves an effect of NH₃.     

Potassium conductance of smooth muscle cells from rabbit aorta in primary culture

Vascular smooth muscle cells were obtained from rabbit aorta and were studied in primary culture on days 1–7 after seeding with electrophysiological techniques. In impalement experiments a mean membrane potential difference (PD) of –50±0.3 mV (n=387) was obtained with Ringer-type solution in the bath. PD was depolarized by 6±0.3 mV (n=45) and 16±2 mV (n= 5) when the bath K⁺ concentration was increased from the control value of 3.6 mmol/l to 13.6 and 23.6 mmol/l, respectively. Ba²⁺ (0.1–1 mmol/l) depolarized PD. Tetraethylammonium (TEA, 10 mmol/l) depolarized PD only slightly but significantly. Verapamil (0.1 mmol/l) and charybdotoxin (10 nmol/l) had no effect on PD. The conductance properties of these cells were further examined with the patch-clamp technique. K⁺ channels were spontaneously present in cell-attached patches. When the pipette was filled with 145 mmol/l KCl, a mean conductance (g _K) of 209.6±4.6 mV (n=17) was read from the current/voltage curves at a clamp voltage (V _c) of 0 mV. After excision K⁺ channels were found in 129 patches with inside-out and in 50 with outside-out configuration. With KCl on one and NaCl on the other side the mean g _K at a V _c of 0 mV was 134.6±3.9 pS (n=179). The mean permeability was 0.89±0.03×10^–12 cm³/s. With symmetrical KCl solution the mean g _K was 227±6 pS (n=17). The conductance sequence was g _K g _Rb= g _Cs=g _Na=0. TEA blocked dose-dependently only from the outside.(1–10 mmol/l). Lidocaine (5 mmol/l) quinidine (0.01–1 mmol/l) and quinine (0.01–1 mmol/l) blocked from both sides. Charybdotoxin (0.5–5 nmol/l) blocked only from the extracellular side. Ba²⁺ blocked from the cytosolic side and the inhibition was increased by depolarization and reduced by hyperpolarization. At a V _c of 0 mV a half-maximal inhibition (IC₅₀) of 2 mol/l was obtained. Verapamil and diltiazem blocked from both sides, verapamil with an IC₅₀ of 2 mol/l and diltiazem with an IC₅₀ of 10 mol/l. The open probability of this channel was increased by Ca²⁺ on the cytosolic side at activities > 0.1 mol/l. Half-maximal activation occurred at Ca²⁺ activities exceeding 1 mol/l. The present data indicate that the vascular smooth muscle cells of rabbit aorta in primary culture possess a K⁺ conductance. In excised patches only a maxi K⁺ channel was detected. This channel has properties different from the macroscopic K⁺ conductance. Hence, it is likely that the K⁺ conductance of the intact cell is dominated by yet another and thus far not detected K⁺ channel.Supported by DFG Gr 480/10     

Membrane potential measurements of transitional cells from the crista ampullaris of the Gerbil

Transitional cells of the crista ampullaris were impaled with microelectrodes in order to record the membrane potential (PD) and to investigate membrane properties. In control solution the PD was –87±1 mV (n=103). This value is not significantly different from –83±2 mV (n=24) measured in Cl^– free solution. [Cl^–] steps from 150 to 15 mmol/l (n=24) depolarized the membrane by about 2 mV, indicating a minor Cl^– conductance. The transference number for K⁺ was 0.75±0.01 (n=79) obtained from the PD responses to K⁺ steps from 3.6 to 25 mmol/l. The cell membrane depolarized and the amplitude of PD responses to [K⁺] steps was reduced by Ba²⁺ (2·10^–6 to 10^–3 mol/l), quinidine (10^–3 mol/l), quinine (10^–3 mol/l), Rb⁺ (20 mmol/l), Cs⁺ (20 mmol/l), NH₄ ⁺ (20 mmol/l) and Tl⁺ (0.5 mmol/l), whereas tetraethylammonium (TEA, 20 mmol/l) had no effect. The dose-response curve for Ba²⁺ in the presence of 3.6 mmol/l K⁺ was shifted to the right by approximately three decades in the presence of 25 mmol/l K⁺ and by a factor of about 4 in the presence of 135 mmol/l gluconate as a substitute for Cl^–. Transitional cells were depolarized by ouabain, suggesting the presence of (Na⁺+K⁺-ATPase.This work was supported by grants from the Deafness Research Foundation to PhW and the National Institute of Health (NS 19490) to DCM     

Effect of secretin and inhibitors of HCO3 −/H+ transport on the membrane voltage of rat pancreatic duct cells

The aim of the present study was to study the effect of secretin on the electrophysiological response of pancreatic ducts. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of lipid-soluble buffers and inhibitors of HCO₃ ^–/H⁺ transport. Ducts obtained from fresh rat pancreas were perfused in vitro. Secretin depolarized the basolateral membrane voltage, V _bl, by up to 35 mV (n=37); a halfmaximal response was obtained at 3×10^–11 mol/l. In unstimulated ducts a decrease in the luminal Cl^– concentration (120 to 37 mmol/l) had a marginal effect on V _bl, but after maximal secretin stimulation it evoked a 14±2 mV depolarization (n=6), showing that a luminal Cl^– conductance G _Cl- was activated. The depolarizing effect of secretin on V _bl was often preceded by about a 6 mV hyperpolarization, most likely due to an increase in the basolateral G _K+. Perfusion of ducts with DIDS (4,4 — diisothiocyanatostilbene — 2,2 — disulphonic acid, 0.01 mmol/l) or addition of ethoxzolamide (0.1 mmol/l) to the bath medium diminished the effect of secretin. Acetate or pre-treatment of ducts with NH₄ ⁺/NH₃ (10 mmol/l in the bath) depolarized the resting V _bl of –65±2 mV by 16±4 mV (n=7) and 19±3 mV (n=10), respectively. The fractional resistance of the basolateral membrane (FR _bl) doubled, and the depolarizing responses to changes in bath K⁺ concentrations (5 to 20 mmol/l) decreased from 22±1 to 11±2 mV. The Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter blocker EIPA (5-[N-ethyl-N-isopropyl]-amiloride, 0.1 mmol/l) also depolarized V _bl by 10±1 mV, FR_bl increased and the response to K⁺ concentration changes decreased (n=7). Effects of EIPA and ethoxzolamide on V _bl were greater in ducts deprived of exogenous HCO₃ ^–/CO₂. Taken together, the present study shows that secretin increased the basolateral G _K+ and the luminal G _Cl-. The depolarizing effect of secretin was diminished following inhibition of HCO₃ ^– transport (DIDS), or HCO₃ ^–/H⁺ generation (ethoxzolamide). Manoeuvres that presumably led to lowered intracellular pH (NH₄ ⁺/NH₃ removal, acetate, EIPA) decreased the basolateral G _K+. The present data support our previously published model for pancreatic HCO₃ ^– secretion, and indicate that the basolateral membrane possesses a pH-sensitive G _K+.     

Mechanisms of calcium transport across the basolateral membrane of the rabbit cortical thick ascending limb of Henle's loop

Although net Ca²⁺ absorption takes place in the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop, detailed mechanisms are unknown. Because it has been reported that the Ca²⁺ entry step across the luminal membrane is mediated by Ca²⁺ channels inserted by stimulation with parathyroid hormone, we studied the mechanism of Ca²⁺ transport across the basolateral membrane of rabbit cortical thick ascending limb (CTAL) perfused in vitro by using microscopic fluorometry of cytosolic Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_i) with fura-2. The resting [Ca²⁺]_i in this segment was 49.8±4.5 nmol/l. Neither Na⁺ removal from the bathing solution nor addition of ouabain (0.1 mmol/l) to the bath increased [Ca²⁺]_i, indicating that a Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger in the basolateral membrane may not contribute in any major way to [Ca²⁺]_i of CTAL. To confirm our technical accuracy, similar protocols were conducted in the connecting tubule, where the existence of a Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger has been reported. In this segment, Na⁺ removal from the bath increased cell Ca²⁺ from 148.6 ±6.4 nmol/l to 647.6±132.0 nmol/l, confirming the documented fact. [Ca²⁺]_i in the CTAL was markedly increased when 1 mmol/l NaCN was added to the bath in the absence of glucose. Calmodulin inhibitors (trifluoperazine or W-7) increased [Ca²⁺]_i. When the bath pH was made alkaline, [Ca²⁺]_i was also increased. This response was abolished when Ca²⁺ was eliminated from the bath, indicating that the Ca²⁺ entry across the basolateral membrane is dependent on bath pH. Increase in [Ca²⁺]_i induced by an alkaline bath was inhibited by increased the bath K⁺ from 5 nmol/l to 50 mmol/l, suggesting that the Ca²⁺ entry system is voltage-dependent. However, the pH-dependent [Ca²⁺]_i increase was unaffected by 0.1–10 mol/l nicardipine in the bath. We conclude that Ca²⁺ transport across the basolateral membrane of CTAL is mediated by a pump-and-leak system of Ca²⁺ rather than a Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger secondarily linked to a Na⁺, K⁺ pump.     

Transmitter-induced changes of the membrane voltage of HT29 cells

The colonic carcinoma cell line HT₂₉ was used to examine the influence of agonists increasing cytosolic cAMP and Ca²⁺ activity on the conductances and the cell membrane voltage (V _m). HT₂₉ cells were grown on glass cover-slips. Cells were impaled by microelectrodes 4–10 days after seeding, when they had formed large plaques. In 181 impalements V _m was –51±1 mV. An increase in bath K⁺ concentration from 3.6 mmol/l to 18.6 mmol/l or 0.5 mmol/l Ba²⁺ depolarized the cells by 10±1 mV (n=49) or by 9±2 mV (n=3), respectively. A decrease of bath Cl^– concentration from 145 to 30 mmol/l depolarized the cells by 11±1 mV (n=24). Agents increasing intracellular cAMP such as isobutylmethylxanthine (0.1 mmol/l), forskolin (10 mol/l) or isoprenaline (10 mol/l) depolarized the cells by 6±1 (n=13), 15±3 (n=5) and 6±2 (n=3) mV, respectively. In hypoosmolar solutions (225 mosmol/l) cells depolarized by 9±1 mV (n=6). Purine and pyrimidine nucleotides depolarized the cells dose-dependently with the following potency sequence: UTP > ATP > ITP > GTP > TIP > CTP = 0. The depolarization by ATP was stronger than that by ADP and adenosine. The muscarinic agonist carbachol led to a sustained depolarization by 27±6 mV (n=5) at 0.1 mmol/l, and to a transient depolarization by 12±4 mV (n=5) at 10 mol/l. Neurotensin depolarized with a half-maximal effect at around 5 nmol/l. The depolarization induced by nucleotides and neurotensin was transient and followed by a hyperpolarization. We confirm that HT₂₉ cells possess Cl^–- and K⁺-conductive pathways. The Cl^– conductance is regulated by intracellular cAMP level, cytosolic Ca²⁺ activity, and cell swelling. The K⁺ conductance in HT₂₉ cells is regulated by intracellular Ca²⁺ activity.Supported by DFG Gre 480/10 and GIF Proj. no. I-86-100.10/ 88     

Ca2+- and swelling-induced activation of ion conductances in bronchial epithelial cells

The present study was performed to examine Ca²⁺-dependent and cell-swelling-induced ion conductances in a polarized bronchial epithelial cell line (16HBE14o-). Whole-cell currents were measured in fast and slow whole-cell patch-clamp experiments in cells grown either on filters or on coated plastic dishes. In addition the transepithelial voltage (V _te) and resistance (R _te) were measured in confluent monolayers. Resting cells had a membrane voltage (V _m) of –36±1.1 mV (n=137) which was mainly caused by K⁺ and Cl^– conductances and to a lesser extent by a Na⁺ conductance. V _te was apical-side-negative after stimulation. Equivalent short-circuit current (I _sc = V _te/R _te) was increased by the secretagogues histamine (0.1 mmol/l), bradykinin (0.1–10 mol/l) and ATP (0.1–100 mol/l). The histamine-induced I _sc was blocked by either basolateral diphenhydramine (0.1 mmol/l, n=4) or apical cimetidine (0.1 mmol/l, n=4). In fast and slow whole-cell recordings ATP and bradykinin primarily activated a transient K⁺ conductance and hyperpolarized V _m. This effect was mimicked by the Ca²⁺ ionophore ionomycin (1 mol/l, n=11). Inhibition of the bradykinin-induced I _sc by the blocker HOE140 (1 mol/l, n=3) suggested the presence of a BK₂ receptor. The potency sequence of different nucleotide agonists on the purinergic receptor was UTP ATP > ITP > GTP CTP [,-methylene] ATP 2-methylthio-ATP = 0 and was obtained in I _sc measurements and patch-clamp recordings. This suggests the presence of a P_2u receptor. Hypotonic cell swelling activated both Cl^– and K⁺ conductances. The Cl^– conductance was only slightly inhibited by 4,4-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2-disulphonic acid (0.5 mmol/ l, n=3). These data indicate that 16HBE140- bronchial epithelial cells, which are known to express high levels of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein, form a secretory epithelium. While hypotonic cell swelling activates both K⁺ and Cl^– channels, the Ca²⁺-induced Cl^– secretion is due mainly to activation of basolateral K⁺ channels.     

Changes of membrane currents in cardiac cells induced by long whole-cell recordings and tolbutamide

Single isolated myocytes were obtained from the ventricles of adult guinea pig hearts. The whole-cell recording configuration of the patch-clamp technique was used to measure membrane currents. A decrease (run-down) of the Ca²⁺ inward current and an increase of a time-independent K⁺ outward current were observed during long lasting (1–3 h) recordings. The time at which the outward current developed depended on the intracellular ATP concentration in the pipette, suggesting that this current is identical to the ATP-dependent K⁺ current described by Noma and Shibasaki (1985). However, the maximum outward current reached in the experiments was independent of the ATP concentration indicating a limited diffusion of ATP in the cell interior. In single-channel experiments on isolated patches of cell membrane and in whole-cell recordings the ATP-dependent K⁺ current could be blocked by the hypoglycaemic sulphonylurea tolbutamide. The IC₅₀ of 0.38 mM was about 50 times higher than that reported for pancreatic -cells (Trube et al. 1986). The Ca²⁺ inward current and the inwardly retifying K⁺ current were not affected by tolbutamide (3 mM).     

The mechanism of action of harmaline on renal solute transport

Summary The effect of the hallucinogenic drug harmaline was tested on rat kidney proximal tubular solute and water transport, using in vivo micropuncture and electrophysiological techniques as well as in vitro biochemical techniques. During peritubular application harmaline (5 mmol/l) was found to block net tubular volume absorption reversibly (by 85%) through inhibition of active Na⁺ transport and possibly active HCO ₃ ^– transport. The inhibition was accompanied by a rapid strong depolarization of the tubular cell membranes. As a biochemical equivalent harmaline inhibited the Na⁺–K⁺-ATPase and the Mg²⁺-ATPase of peritubular cell membrane fractions as well as the HCO ₃ ^– -stimulated ATPase of a brush border membrane fraction with similar kinetics. By studying glucose tracer efflux and by measuring cell membrane potential and conductance changes in response to glucose perfusions, no evidence for a direct effect of harmaline on Na⁺-glucose (or amino acid) cotransport mechanisms in the brush border could be obtained. The data suggest that harmaline does not specifically compete with Na⁺ for transport sites. Neither are the cotransport systems in the brush border membrane specifically inhibited, nor could the inhibition of the Na⁺ pump in the peritubular cell membrane simply result from a competition between harmaline and Na⁺.