Effect of veratrine and 50 mM K on ileal transport and electrically induced secretion

To obtain additional evidence that the Cl secretion caused by electrical field stimulation (EFS) in rabbit ileum in vitro is mediated by nerves or amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation (APUD) cells, we determined whether the response could be prevented by agents that depolarize nerves, veratrine or 50 mM K. EFS 1) increased transmural electrical potential difference (PD) and the short-circuit current (Isc) and reduced total ion conductivity (G), 2) caused Cl secretion by reducing the mucosal-to-serosal flow of chloride (JClm leads to s) alone or in combination with an increase in the serosal-to-mucosal flux of chloride (JCls leads to m), and 3) reduced Na absorption or caused secretion by increasing JCls leads to m alone or in association with a reduction in JNam leads to s. At 10(-5) g/ml, veratrine prevented the changes in ionic fluxes caused by EFS and reduced the PD and Isc. It did not reduce the Isc response to 5 mM aminophylline, however. Fifty millimolar K decreased PD and Isc and increased G. JNam leads to s and JNas leads to m diminished in proportion to the reduction in bath Na concentration, so the net flux of sodium (JNanet) was not affected. JClnet did not change, although both JClm leads to s and JCls leads to m increased. Fifty millimolar K prevented the changes in ionic fluxes caused by EFS and reduced the Isc response to aminophylline by half. The study provides additional evidence that the effects of EFS are mediated by nerves or electrically excitable APUD cells, but the contribution of each is uncertain.     

The time course and extracellular Ca2+ involvement of growth hormone (GH) releasing factor-induced GH secretion in perifused dispersed rat pituitary cells

The time course of GH secretion in response to hpGRF and its dependency on the extracellular Ca2+ concentration were studied in perifused dispersed anterior pituitary cells. The onset of GH secretion in response to 1 nM hpGRF was relatively rapid (within 5 s) but removal of hpGRF after 10-min application further increased the rate of secretion (off-response). The threshold and maximum concentrations of hpGRF in stimulatory secretion were 10(-12) and 10(-8) M respectively. Between these two concentrations, the responses showed dose dependency. A reduction in the extracellular Ca2+ concentration to 0.25 mM or to nominally zero reduced hpGRF-induced GH secretion to 64.4% or to 1.9%, respectively, of the control response in the presence of 2.5 mM Ca2+. Two mM Co2+, known as a strong calcium channel blocker, completely suppressed hpGRF-induced GH secretion. The removal of Ca2+ from the perifusion buffer immediately after the offset of 1 min-applied 1 nM hpGRF accelerated the falling phase of GH secretion, which is parallel to the decline in [Ca2+]o in the perifusion chamber. Under nominal Ca2+-free conditions, hpGRF produced no increase in GH secretion. However, 10 min after the offset of 1 min-applied hpGRF under Ca2+-free conditions, the introduction of normal buffer containing 2.5 mM Ca2+ substantially restored GH secretion, although after 20 min the introduction of normal buffer produced only a slight increase in GH secretion. In perifusion experiment of 10(6) cells, intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) content was raised from the basal value of 4 to 26 pmol by 2-min application of 1 nM hpGRF. After cessation of hpGRF application, cAMP content decreased to 8.7 pmol at 11 min and returned to the basal value by 20 min. The same tendency was observed in Ca2+-free buffer. In conclusion, the extracellular Ca2+ was essential for hpGRF-induced GH secretion. This indicates the importance of the influx of Ca2+ in response to hpGRF. The time course of hpGRF-induced rise and fall in cAMP content was roughly parallel to the GH secretion. The possible explanations of the off-response and the restoration of GH secretion by reintroducing normal buffer were discussed.     

Effects of endothelin-1 on epithelial ion transport in human airways

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) exerts many biological effects in airways, including bronchoconstriction, airway mucus secretion, cell proliferation, and inflammation. We investigated the effect of ET-1 on Na absorption and Cl secretion in human bronchial epithelial cells. Addition of 10(-7) M ET-1 had no effect on the inhibition of the short circuit current (Isc) induced by amiloride, a Na channel blocker. Addition of 10(-7) M ET-1 to the apical bath in the presence of amiloride increased Isc in cultured human bronchial epithelial cells studied in Ussing chambers. No effect was observed when ET-1 was added to basolateral bath, indicating that the involved ET-1 receptors are likely present only in the apical membrane of the cells. Use of Cl-free solutions and bumetanide reduced the ET-1-induced increases in Isc, indicating that ET-1 stimulates Cl secretion. The ET-1-induced increase in Isc was prevented by exposure to the ETB receptor antagonist BQ-788 but not to the ETA receptor antagonist BQ-123. ET-1 did not raise intracellular Ca levels, but increased the intracellular concentration of cAMP. These findings indicate that ET-1 is a Cl secretagogue in human airways and acts presumably through apically located ETB receptors and activation of the cAMP pathway.     

Deoxycholic acid (DOC) affects the transport properties of distal colon

Secondary bile acids can induce diarrhea. In the present study we examined the effects of deoxycholic acid (DOC) on equivalent short-circuit current (Isc) in rabbit colon and the cellular mechanisms involved in DOC action (rabbit and rat). Luminal DOC inhibited amiloride-sensitive Na+ absorption. In the presence of amiloride luminal DOC had a concentration dependent effect on Isc. Low concentrations (1-10 micromol/l) induced a lumen-positive current (51+/-3 microA/cm2, 10 micromol/l, n=7) which was inhibited by luminal Ba2+ suggesting the activation of a luminal K+ conductance. Higher luminal concentrations induced a lumen-negative current (-76+/-9 microA/cm2, 100 micromol/l, n=11). Basolateral application of DOC, also in the presence of amiloride, only induced lumen-negative Isc, (-58+/-10 microA/cm2, 100 micromol/l, n=6, EC50= 3 micromol/l). This current could be abolished completely by the K+ channel blocker 293B, a selective inhibitor of cAMP-dependent Cl- secretion. This action of DOC on Isc was additive to the effect of carbachol (CCH) but not additive to that of cAMP. In intact rat colon mucosa pre-treated with DOC a significant increase in cAMP production was observed. Fura-2 measurements of cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i) in isolated colonic crypts (rabbit and rat) showed that 100 micromol/l DOC induced a weak [Ca2+]i increase. Whole-cell measurements of membrane voltage in isolated rat colonic crypts revealed a hyperpolarization by DOC (4.9+/-0.8 mV, 100 micromol/l, n=8) but a depolarization by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2, via cAMP) (24+/-7 mV, n=8). The present data show that DOC acts at more than one target in the colon: in the intact mucosa it activates luminal K+ channels and Cl- secretion and this is paralleled by an increase in cAMP production. In isolated crypts DOC probably activates a Ca(2+)-regulated K+ conductance but has no effect on cAMP. Hence DOC probably activates ion channels or channel-regulating factors in colonocytes and acts on non-epithelial cells to activate Cl- secretion indirectly.     

Effects of scorpion venom on electrolyte transport by rabbit ileum

Scorpion venom, which depolarizes nerves, was used to obtain further evidence that intramural nerves affect ion transport by the rabbit ileum. Ileal epithelium, stripped of muscularis propria, was mounted in a flux chamber modified to permit electrical field stimulation (EFS) of the tissue. Response of the short-circuit current (Isc) to venom was most rapid on the serosal surface, and the response was eliminated by tetrodotoxin. Isc response was influenced by venom batch number and by factors within the tissue. Venom (10 micrograms/ml) and EFS each caused chloride secretion by reducing mucosal-to-serosal movement and by increasing serosal-to-mucosal movement. Sodium transport and residual ion fluxes did not change. In the presence of venom, EFS caused no further changes in ion transport, but tissues still responded to glucose and to aminophylline. The early peak of Isc was reduced about 40% by atropine, implying that acetylcholine, released by venom, stimulates muscarinic receptors. The blockade of the Isc response to venom with tetrodotoxin is further evidence that venom depolarizes intramural nerves and liberates transmitters that cause chloride secretion. The identity of the other transmitters is not known.     

Effects of methylprednisolone on electrolyte transport by in vitro rat ileum

Administration of the glucocorticoid methylprednisolone (MP) (30 mg/kg body wt for 3 days) to rats increased intestinal mucosal guanylate cyclase and Na-K-ATPase activities, short-circuit current (Isc), electrical potential difference (PD), net Na absorption, and net Cl secretion and reversed HCO3 transport from secretion to absorption. In the MP-treated animals, removal of HCO3 from both the mucosal and serosal bathing solutions increased Cl secretion but did not alter the Isc, PD, and net Na flux. Removal of Cl abolished the MP-induced increase in Isc but did not affect the MP-induced changes in net Na and HCO3 fluxes. At 6 h, after a single dose of MP, stimulation of guanylate cyclase activity was already maximal, whereas Na-K-ATPase activity was not detectably altered. The changes in intestinal transport properties present 6 h after MP treatment and associated with the increased guanylate cyclase activity were an increase in Isc and PD and a reversal of net Cl absorption to net secretion. These results suggest that an initial response to MP administration is a persistent increase in intestinal guanylate cyclase activity that mediates an electrogenic Cl secretory process, then is followed by a superimposed effect of increased Na-K-ATPase activity that mediates an increase in net Na absorption.     

The secretory response of the rat colon to the flavonol quercetin is dependent on Ca2+-calmodulin

The dietary flavonol quercetin induces chloride secretion in rat intestine. To clarify the underlying mechanisms, experiments were performed in Ussing chambers with tissue from rat proximal and distal colon. Quercetin induced an increase in short-circuit current (Isc), which was largely independent of submucosal neurons, as it was not affected by the neurotoxin tetrodotoxin. The effect of quercetin was blocked by the calmodulin antagonists trifluoperazine and ophiobolin A and was diminished by a blocker of Ca2+ release from intracellular stores (TMB-8), whereas the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine was ineffective. The quercetin-induced Isc was abolished in Ca2+-free solution. The flavonol was able to further increase Isc after maximal stimulation of the cAMP pathway by forskolin. The Isc increase by the flavonol was differently affected by two analogous phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Whereas 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) antagonized the effect of quercetin, 8-methoxymethyl-IBMX had no effect. Both phosphodiesterase inhibitors similarly influenced the Isc increase induced by forskolin. These results indicate that the chloride secretion induced by quercetin in rat colon depends on Ca2+ and calmodulin. The cAMP pathway and inhibition of phosphodiesterase appear not to be responsible for the secretory activity of the flavonol.     

Evidence for Na+/Ca2+ exchange in the rectal gland of Squalus acanthias

Previously we have shown that stimulation of in vitro perfused rectal gland tubules (RGT) of the dog-fish Squalus acanthias by adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), (as a cocktail comprising 0.1 mmol/l dibutyryl-cAMP, 10 micromol/l forskolin and 0.1 mmol/l adenosine, hereafter termed STIM) leads to an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and that this assists Cl- secretion by enhancing basolateral K+ conductance. In the present study we examined the mechanism of the cAMP-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. [Ca2+]i was measured using the fura-2 technique in isolated in vitro perfused RGT. As before, STIM enhanced [Ca2+]i. This elevation of [Ca2+]i was prevented completely when STIM was added in the presence of the Na+2Cl-K+ cotransport inhibitor furosemide (0.5 mmol/l). This suggests that the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by STIM is caused by a concomitant increase in cytosolic Na+ ([Na+]i) and not by the activation of second messenger cascades. Furosemide prevents this increase in [Na+]i and hence the elevation of [Ca2+]i. Moreover, the plateau phase of the [Ca2+]i transient produced by carbachol (CCH, 0.1 mmol/l) was augmented strongly when bath Na+ was reduced to 5 mmol/l. These data suggest that the level of [Ca2+]i is determined by Na(+)-dependent Ca2+ export, most likely via a Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. The increase in [Na+]i accompanying stimulation of Cl- secretion reduces the rate of Ca2+ export leading to an elevation of [Ca2+]i, as does a reduction in bath Na+ which augments the [Ca2+]i plateau produced by CCH.     

Antisecretory effects of berberine in rat ileum

The in vitro antisecretory effects of the alkaloid berberine (1.0 mM) on intestinal ion secretion and mucosal adenylate cyclase and Na-K-ATPase activities were studied in the rat ileum. Mucosal berberine did not alter the individual basal net ion fluxes and basal adenylate cyclase activity but decreased short-circuit current (Isc) and increased the net absorption of chloride plus bicarbonate. In the cholera toxin-treated tissue, mucosal berberine stimulated absorption of Na and Cl and inhibited the increased adenylate cyclase activity but did not change the specific Na-K-ATPase activity, whereas serosal berberine stimulated Na secretion and decreased Isc. Mucosal berberine also decreased Isc, increased Cl permeability, and reversed the ion secretion induced by dibutyryl cyclic AMP, the heat-stable enterotoxin of Escherichia coli, and methylprednisolone administration. The antisecretory effects of mucosal berberine may be explained by stimulation of a Na-Cl-coupled absorptive transport process. The mechanism of action of serosal berberine remains to be elucidated. However, it is clear that mucosal berberine affects intestinal ion transport by mechanisms different from stimulation of the Na pump and probably at a step distal to the production or degradation of cyclic AMP or cyclic GMP.     

Mechanisms of chloride secretion induced by thermostable direct haemolysin of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in human colonic tissue and a human intestinal epithelial cell line

Thermostable direct haemolysin (TDH) produced by Vibrio parahaemolyticus is thought to play an important role in the severe diarrhoea caused by this organism. This study investigated the enterotoxicity of TDH for human intestinal cells. Addition of TDH to the mucosal side of human colonic tissue in Ussing chambers caused increased short circuit currents (Isc), a process that was inhibited by 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (DIDS), an inhibitor of Ca2+ -activated chloride (Cl-) channels. With human colonic epithelial (Caco-2) cells, high Isc and intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]in) were detected after the addition of TDH to the apical side of the cell monolayer. The Isc decreased with the addition of DIDS, but not with glybenclamide, 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino) benzoic acid, or gadolinium chloride. No Isc increase with TDH was observed when the Cl- in the medium was replaced by gluconate or when Ca2+ was depleted. Similarly, TDH did not raise [Ca2+]in after depletion of extracellular Ca2+. R7, a mutant form of TDH, reduced the effects of TDH on Isc and [Ca2+]in, as did protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors. Thus, TDH increases Cl- secretion in human colonic epithelial cells, apparently through mechanisms involving cell binding and Ca2+ influx, followed by elevation of [Ca2+]in associated with PKC phosphorylation.     

Epithelial ion transport of human nasal polyp and paranasal sinus mucosa

Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus have various functions. However, little information is available on ion transport in these upper airway epithelia. In the present study, we measured the anion secretion and the anion channel activity to characterize the ion transport in epithelial cells prepared from human paranasal sinus mucosa (PSM) and nasal polyp (NP). To estimate the anion secretion and the anion channel activity, we measured the short-circuit current (Isc) and the transepithelial conductance (Gt) sensitive to NPPB (a Cl(-) channel blocker). The NPPB-sensitive Isc in PSM was larger than that in NP, correlating to the NPPB-sensitive Gt (Cl(-) channel activity). Forskolin stably elevated the NPPB-sensitive Isc associated with an increase in the NPPB-sensitive Gt in PSM and NP. UTP transiently stimulated the Isc associated with an elevation of Gt in PSM and NP. The stimulatory action of UTP on Isc and Gt was diminished by application of NPPB but not benzamil in PSM and NP, suggesting that UTP induced the NPPB-sensitive Isc (Cl(-) secretion) and Gt (Cl(-) channel activity). These observations suggest that in human PSM and NP, cAMP stably stimulates anion secretion by activating the Cl(-) (anion) channels, and that UTP just transiently elevates anion secretion via activation of some Cl(-) (anion) channels.     

Trifluoperazine, a calmodulin inhibitor, blocks secretion in cultured chromaffin cells at a step distal from calcium entry

Trifluoperazine, a calmodulin antagonist, inhibited the secretory response of cultured bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells to acetylcholine (10(-4) M) or a depolarizing concentration of [K+] (56 mM KCl) in a dose-related fashion. The ID50s of this effect were 2 x 10(-7) M and 2.2 x 10(-6) M for acetylcholine and high [K+], respectively. A decrease in external [Ca2+] concentration of the incubation medium from 4.4 to 0.275 mM resulted in an increase in the percentage of inhibition produced by trifluoperazine on the acetylcholine-evoked secretory response from 20.7 to 96.5%, respectively. However, trifluoperazine inhibited the acetylcholine-evoked catecholamine output by a similar absolute magnitude for all [Ca2+] concentrations tested with the exception of 4.4 mM [Ca2+]. Trifluoperazine, unlike the [Ca2+] channel blocker Ni2+, in concentrations (10(-6)-10(-5) M) that were found to inhibit significantly [K+]-induced amine output did not modify [K+]-induced 45Ca uptake or 45Ca efflux. However, trifluoperazine at a concentration of 2.5 x 10(-5) M was found to produce a small decrease in the 45Ca efflux curve and a decrease in the [K+]-evoked 45Ca uptake of 30 +/- 14% (n = 6). In addition, 2.5 x 10(-6) M trifluoperazine, a concentration which was found to suppress high [K+]-induced amine release by 64 +/- 5%, did not inhibit the 45Ca2+-Ca2+ exchange mechanism. These results demonstrate that trifluoperazine, an antipsychotic agent with anticalmodulin activity, blocks catecholamine release from cultured chromaffin cells at a step distal from calcium entry and, consequently, suggests a role for calmodulin in the secretory process of these cells.     

Differential roles of the sodium-calcium exchanger in renin secretion and renal vascular resistance

The intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) is a central regulator of renin secretion and the contractility of vascular smooth muscle cells. As [Ca2+]i results from calcium influx and calcium extrusion, we were interested in the role of the Na+/Ca2+-exchanger as an important calcium-extrusion pathway in the regulation of renin secretion. Therefore, we investigated the effects of inhibiting the Na+/Ca2+-exchanger, either by reducing the extracellular sodium concentration ([Na+]e) or using pharmacological tools, on renin secretion and vascular resistance in the isolated perfused rat kidney model. Stepwise reductions of [Na+]e led to progressive (up to sevenfold) increases in renal vascular resistance ([Na+]e 7 mM) whilst renin secretion rates were not altered significantly. Similarly, pharmacological blockade of the Na+/Ca2+-exchanger by benzamil (100 microM) or KB-R7943 (30 microM) resulted in significant vasoconstrictions without altering basal renin secretion rates. Also renin secretion that was pre-stimulated by isoproterenol (10 nM), blockade of macula densa salt transport by bumetanide (100 microM) or lowering the perfusion pressure to 40 mmHg was not attenuated by Na+/Ca2+-exchanger inhibition, although the vascular resistance increased significantly. In contrast, angiotensin II (100 pM) reduced pre-stimulated renin secretion values by 50%. The subsequent lowering of the [Na+]e however did not augment the inhibition of renin secretion, although the renal vascular resistance increased markedly. We conclude that the Na+/Ca2+-exchanger has no functional role in the regulation of [Ca2+]i in juxtaglomerular cells controlling renin secretion, whereas it markedly affects the preglomerular vascular smooth muscle cells of the renal vasculature.     

α2-Adrenoceptors inhibit antidiuretic hormone-stimulated Na+ absorption across tight epithelia (Rana esculenta)

In the present study we examined the effect of alpha-adrenergic regulation of active transepithelial Na+ absorption across the isolated frog skin epithelium. alpha-Adrenergic stimulation was achieved by addition of the adrenergic agonist noradrenaline in the presence of the beta-adrenergic blocker propranolol. alpha-Adrenergic stimulation inhibited basal as well as antidiuretic hormone (ADH)-stimulated Na+ transport. The ADH-induced increase in Na+ transport was accompanied by a membrane depolarisation due to an increase in the apical Na+ permeability. The subsequent application of noradrenaline inhibited the Na+ transport and repolarised the membrane potential, suggesting that alpha-adrenergic stimulation had reduced the apical Na+ permeability. The inhibition was abolished by the alpha2-adrenergic antagonist yohimbine whereas it was insensitive to the alpha1-adrenergic antagonist prazosin. alpha-Adrenergic stimulation had no effect on the cytosolic free [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i). Incubation of the epithelium in the presence of ADH increased the cellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) content, an increase which was abolished by alpha-adrenergic activation. The effect of alpha-adrenergic stimulation on cAMP production was abolished by the alpha2-adrenergic antagonist yohimbine. We conclude that the noradrenaline-induced inhibition of the ADH-stimulated Na+ absorption and cAMP content is mediated by activation of alpha2-adrenoceptors. The data further indicate that the principal cells of the epithelium do not express alpha1-adrenoceptors. The noradrenaline-induced inhibition of the ADH-stimulated Na+ transport was concentration dependent, with 0.24+/-0.03 microM eliciting a half-maximal response. This alpha2-adrenergic-mediated down-regulation of Na+ absorption is achieved at a concentration of noradrenaline which begins to activate the NaCl secretion via the skin glands. The alpha2-adrenoceptors therefore appear to have considerable physiological importance.     

Electrophysiological evidence for an ATP-gated ion channel in the principal cells of the frog skin epithelium

In the present study we investigated the effects of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) on Na+ transport in frog skin epithelium. An experimental set-up was constructed to allow simultaneous measurement of Na+ transport, measured as the amiloride-sensitive short circuit current (Isc), and free cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) measured with the Ca(2+)-sensitive dye fura-2. The cell potential (Vsc) was measured with microelectrodes. Addition of ATP (100 micrM) to the basolateral solution resulted in a fast transient decrease in Isc followed by a slower increase and a transient increase in [Ca2+]i. Microelectrode measurements showed that the primary response, i.e. the decline in Isc was accompanied by transient depolarisation, followed by a return to the control value. The decrease in current was Ca2+ independent; i.e. treatment with thapsigargin in Ca(2+)-free solutions abolished the Ca2+ transient but did not influence the current transient. The secondary response, i.e. the slow increase in current, was accompanied by slow depolarisation of the cell. Measurements of apical Na+ permeability showed that this was due to an opening or activation of apical Na+ channels. These data show that ATP causes a fast initial drop and a secondary, long-lasting increase in Na+ absorption. The ability of ATP to cause the initial decline in current is independent of Ca2+, i.e. it is not caused by secondary effects of the P2Y-type receptors present in the tissue. Measurements of intracellular potential indicate that the initial depolarisation is caused by opening of non-selective cation channels, suggesting that this decrease is due to a transient activation of P2X-type ATP receptors.     

Activation of Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channel and Cl- conductance in canine pancreatic acinar cells through a cyclic AMP pathway.

Effects of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) on Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channel and Cl- conductance in the plasma membrane of isolated canine pancreatic acinar cells were studied by patch-clamp methods. In whole-cell current recordings on isolated cells dialyzed with K(+)-rich solution containing 0.5 mM EGTA, addition of 0.5 mM dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP), or 50 microM forskolin to the bath increased outward K+ and inward Cl- currents associated with depolarizing and hyperpolarizing voltage jumps, respectively. In intact cells (cell-attached configurations), addition of 0.5 mM dbcAMP or 50 microM forskolin to the bath increased the opening of single K+ channel. In Ca(2+)-free external solution (bath and pipette) 50 microM forskolin or 0.5 mM dbcAMP application evoked an increase in the opening of single K+ channel in intact cells. Addition of 0.5 mM dbcAMP to the bath solution containing 10 mM EGTA without Ca2+ increased the currents of whole-cell dialyzed with K(+)-rich solution containing 10 mM EGTA. When cell was dialyzed with 20 mM EGTA, dbcAMP, or forskolin application did not increase the whole-cell currents. In excised inside-out patches, addition of the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (16 U/ml) in the presence of 0.3 mM ATP to the cytoplasmic face of membrane activated the K+ channel, but 0.1 mM cAMP did not. These results suggest that cAMP-dependent phosphorylation can activate Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels without increase in intracellular free Ca2+ and cAMP-dependent mechanism can activate Ca(2+)-dependent Cl- conductances without the increase in Ca2+ in canine pancreatic acinar cells.     

Somatostatin inhibits prolactin secretion by multiple mechanisms involving a site of action distal to increased cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate and elevated cytosolic Ca2+ in rat lactotrophs

The release of prolactin (PRL) from a clonal cell-line of anterior pituitary cells (GH4C1) was inhibited by somatostatin (SRIH) in a dose-dependent manner (ED50 nM). The inhibition (20% of control levels) was detectable within 50 s and maximal within 90 s. Thyroliberin (TRH) enhancement of PRL secretion was biphasic. SRIH inhibited both phases equally. Ionomycin in combination with the phorbol ester, TPA, mimics the TRH-elicited PRL release, and SRIH partly inhibited this effect. SRIH had no effect on TRH-stimulated formation of inositol trisphosphate, and only small effects on TRH-activated adenylate cyclase. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and forskolin stimulated cAMP formation and PRL release potently. SRIH inhibited both effects of VIP and forskolin, and there was a close correlation between the inhibition of PRL secretion and cAMP accumulation. 8-Bromo-cAMP enhanced PRL release, an effect that was also partly reduced by SRIH. The Ca2+ channel activator, BAY-K-8644 and high extracellular K+ increased PRL release, and SRIH caused a partial reduction in the release response to both secretagogues. SRIH lowered [Ca2+]i, and markedly reduced the rise in [Ca2+]i elicited by TRH, VIP and K+. SRIH did not influence the Ca2+ spikes recorded in Na+-free solution, and had no effect on the TRH-induced membrane potential changes. Our results demonstrate that SRIH may inhibit PRL release from GH4C1 cells by (1) inhibiting hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase, (2) blocking the effect of cAMP and (3) lowering [Ca2+]i. None of these effects is, however, sufficient to explain all the effects of SRIH, suggesting that SRIH also exerts a major action at a step subsequent to cAMP accumulation and [Ca2+]i elevation. Since the GH4C1 cells possess one single class of binding sites, this implies that the same SRIH receptor is coupled to several cellular signalling systems.     

Ca2+ and electrolyte mobilization following agonist application to the pancreatic β cell line HIT

We have investigated intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in oscillations of cytoplasmic Ca2+ in response to glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose in clonal HIT insulinoma cells with a confocal laser-scanning microscope (CLSM). We also used electron probe X-ray microanalysis to determine the GLP-1- and glucose-induced changes in electrolyte levels in the cytoplasm and insulin granules of the cells. GLP-1 produced 10- to 35-s duration oscillations in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), both with and without Ca2+ in the extracellular solution, suggesting that Ca2+ is mobilized from intracellular Ca2+ stores, namely secretory granules. Glucose caused 1- to 3-min duration oscillatory increases in [Ca2+]i when the extracellular solution contained Ca2+. When the cells were cultured without Ca2+ (no Ca2+ added, 1 mM EGTA), an oscillatory [Ca2+]i increase of amplitude and short duration (12-35 s) was produced by 11 mM glucose, and the oscillation was inhibited by ruthenium red. X-ray microanalysis showed that stimulation with glucose increased the total Ca concentration in the cytoplasm and decreased it in the insulin granules with and without Ca2+ in the extracellular solution. The application of glucose significantly decreased K, and increased Na and C1 in the cytoplasm when the extracellular solution contained Ca2+. Our result also suggests that the [Ca2+]i oscillation induced by glucose is involved in the release of Ca2+ from intracellular Ca2+ stores through the ryanodine receptor, which is blocked by ruthenium red, and/or through the inositol trisphosphate receptor that may be present in the membrane of insulin granules.     

Methoxsalen stimulates electrogenic Cl- secretion in the mouse jejunum

We used the short-circuit current (I(sc)) and patch-clamp techniques to investigate the effects of methoxsalen (MTX) on the electrogenic Cl- secretion of the mouse jejunum. MTX stimulated a sustained increase in Isc that was dose dependent. Bumetanide inhibited MTX-stimulated Isc in a dose-dependent manner consistent with activation of Cl- secretion. MTX failed to stimulate I(sc) following maximal activation of the cAMP pathway by forskolin, but did increase Isc after a submaximal dose of forskolin. Glibenclamide, a blocker of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), reduced the MTX-stimulated increase of Isc by 59 +/- 6%. The cAMP-dependent K+ channel blocker 293B did not alter the MTX-activated I(sc); however, clotrimazole, an intermediate Ca2(+)-activated K+ channel (IK(Ca)) blocker, reduced the MTX-stimulated I(sc). MTX did not alter Na(+)-glucose cotransport across the mouse jejunum. In cell-attached membrane patches, MTX increased the open probability of the basolateral IK(Ca) channel of isolated crypts. These data suggest that the CFTR and IK(Ca) channels participate in the MTX-activated, sustained Cl- secretory response of the mouse jejunum.     

Effect of glucagon on ion transport in mouse intestine

Effects of glucagon (GN) on short-circuited mouse intestine were studied. GN (30 microgram . ml-1), added to the serosa of intestine mounted in an Ussing chamber and bathed in glucose-free Ringer, induced significant increases of 43% in serosal-to-mucosal Cl- flux (Js leads to m Cl), 315% in net Cl- secretion (Jnet Cl), 85% in net residual flux (J net R), 61% in short-circuit current (Isc), and 44% in open-circuit potential difference (PD). The mucosal-to-serosal Cl- flux and both unidirectional Na+ fluxes (Jm leads to s Na and Js leads to m Na) were unchanged. In a glucose Ringer bathing medium, GN exhibited no significant effects on ion fluxes and electrical parameters. To eliminate the possibility that observed GN-induced changes in PD and Isc were partially due to changes in membrane surface charge, the effects of GN in Cl- -free Ringer were studied. Under these conditions, GN had no effect on electrical parameters. Furthermore, GN elicited no effect on cAMP levels in either the presence or absence of glucose. These findings suggest that 1) the effect of GN on Jnet Cl is masked in the presence of glucose, 2) GN-induced increases in Isc and PD are a reflection of the increase in Jnet Cl and are neither due to changes in membrane surface charge nor to an increase in net Na+ flux, and 3) GN-induced secretory diarrhea is in part due to changes in electrolyte transport.