Cl- channels are expressed in human normal monocytes: a functional role in migration, adhesion and volume change

Increased adhesion and diapedesis of monocytes appear to be primary initiating factors in the pathophysiology of occlusive vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and restenosis. However, the underlying mechanisms of transendothelial migration and invasion of monocytes into the blood vessels are not known. Alterations in ion channels on the cell membrane are generally involved in induced changes in shape and volume. In the present study, we investigated the expression and functional role of chloride channels in freshly isolated human blood monocytes. The Cl- currents in whole-cells were measured by the patch-clamp technique. We observed whole cell Cl- currents, which were time-independent and outwardly rectifying. The chloride channel blockers 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino) benzoic acid (NPPB) and R(+)-[(6,7-dichloro-2-cyclopentyl-2,3-dihydro-2-methyl-1-oxo-1H-inden-5yl)-oxy]acetic acid 94 (IAA94) attenuated the Cl- currents. NPPB and IAA94 also inhibited chemotaxis of monocytes, as measured in Boyden chemotactic chambers, with the same sensitivity. NPPB but not IAA94, increased the cell volume as measured by shape change, and decreased tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-induced monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. These results suggest that monocytes contain Cl- channels which regulate transendothelial migration of monocytes, due presumably to an alteration in cell volume.     

Volume regulation of mature and immature spermatozoa in a primate model, and possible ion channels involved

BACKGROUND: Human ejaculated sperm undergo volume regulation, and swollen cells fail to penetrate mucus. Study of an infertile mouse model indicates maturation of volume regulation mechanism in the epididymis. METHODS: Sperm from the ejaculate and three regions of the epididymis of the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) were dispersed in BWW medium and changes in the cell volume and kinematics, and their responses to ion channel blockers, were monitored by flow cytometry and motion analysis. RESULTS: Initially swollen cauda epididymidal spermatozoa regained their original volume within 20 min, but not in the presence of 0.25 mM quinine. Corpus epididymidal spermatozoa underwent such regulatory volume decrease (RVD) to a lesser extent, with a similar response to quinine. Caput sperm showed no swelling throughout incubation. The chloride channel inhibitor NPPB also caused swelling of cauda spermatozoa and both quinine and NPPB decreased the efficiency of forward progression. RVD of ejaculated spermatozoa was inhibited by the K+ channel blockers quinine and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) but not by tetraethylammonium, Ba2+ or Gd3+, or the specific potassium channel blockers charybdotoxin, margatoxin, dendrotoxin, apamin, glybenclamide or clofilium. Quinine and 4-AP also altered ejaculated sperm kinematics as reported in human ejaculated spermatozoa. CONCLUSIONS: Quinine- and 4-AP-sensitive (implying K+) and NPPB-sensitive (implying Cl-) channels are involved in RVD of primate sperm, which develop this volume regulatory ability in the epididymis.     

Delayed shrinkage triggered by the Na+-K+ pump in terbutaline-stimulated rat alveolar type II cells

Terbutaline (10 microm) induced a triphasic volume change in alveolar type II (AT-II) cells: an initial shrinkage (initial phase) followed by cell swelling (second phase) and a gradual shrinkage (third phase). The present study demonstrated that the initial and the third phases are evoked by the activation of K+ and Cl- channels and the second phase is evoked by the activation of Na+ and Cl- channels. Ouabain blocked the third phase, although it did not block the initial and second phases. This suggests that the third phase is triggered by the Na+-K+ pump. Tetraethylammonium (TEA, a K+ channel blocker) decreased the volume of AT-II cells and enhanced the terbutaline-stimulated third phase, although quinidine, another K+ channel blocker, increased the volume of AT-II cells. The TEA-induced cell shrinkage was inhibited by ouabain, suggesting that TEA increases Na+-K+ pump activity. Ba2+, 2,3-diaminopyridine and a high [K+]o (30 mm) similarly decreased the volume of AT-II cells. These findings suggest that depolarization induced by TEA increases Na+-K+ pump activity, which increases [K+]i. This [K+]i increase, in turn, hyperpolarizes membrane potential. Valinomycin (a K+ ionophore), which induces hyperpolarization, decreased the volume of AT-II cells and enhanced the third phase in these cells. In conclusion, in terbutaline-stimulated AT-II cells, an increase in Na+-K+ pump activity hyperpolarizes the membrane potential and triggers the third phase by switching net ion transport from NaCl entry to KCl release.     

细胞外低渗诱导大鼠胚胎心肌细胞H9c2容积激活性氯电流和调节性细胞容积回缩

目的:研究细胞外低渗诱导的大鼠胚胎心肌细胞(H9c2)容积激活性氯电流和调节性容积回缩(regulatory volumede crease,RVD)。方法:采用全细胞膜片钳技术记录低渗激活的H9c2细胞氯电流并分析电流特性;用实时活细胞影像系统拍摄细胞图像,测量细胞容积,探讨氯通道在H9c2细胞调节性容积回缩(RVD)过程中的作用。结果:等渗灌流下,可在H9c2细胞记录到一个较小的背景电流。47%低渗液灌流可迅速诱发一个具有外向优势的电流,该电流无明显时间依赖性失活和电压依赖性失活;在+80mV和-80mV电压钳制下,细胞的平均电流密度分别为(47.77±3.80)pA/pF和(-33.36±2.80)pA/pF;翻转电位为(-9.02±0.61)mV,接近氯离子的平衡电位(-0.9mV)。高渗灌流液可以完全抑制该电流。此外,该电流可被氯通道阻断剂他莫昔芬、5-硝基-2-(3-苯丙胺)苯甲酸(NPPB)和ATP不同程度抑制。同时,细胞外灌流47%低渗液可诱发H9c2细胞产生RVD,100μmol/L的NPPB几乎完全抑制低渗诱发的RVD。结论:细胞外低渗刺激可以诱导H9c2细胞容积激活性氯电流和RVD。容积激活性氯通道在H9c2细胞RVD中起重要作用。     

Actions of the Cl- channel blocker NPPB on absorptive and secretory transport processes of Na+ and Cl- in rat descending colon

The effects of the Cl- channel blocker, NPPB (5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoate), on the transport of Na+ and Cl- in the descending colon of the rat were studied in the Ussing chamber. In control tissue, NPPB administered at the mucosal side of the epithelium increased the short-circuit current (Isc) and inhibited the unidirectional mucosa-to-serosa fluxes of Na+ and Cl-. In HCO3- - or Cl- -free media for in the presence of SITS (4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanato-stilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid), this increase in Isc caused by mucosal NPPB was not observed. The serosal administration of NPPB was without effect. Mucosal NPPB (10(-4) mol l-1) decreased the forskolin-induced increase in Isc by only about 60%. However, the activation of the serosa-to-mucosa flux of Cl- caused by forskolin was inhibited completely. NPPB decreased the mucosa-to-serosa fluxes of Na+ and Cl- reduced additionally by forskolin. Serosal NPPB decreased Isc and FNasm, but had no effect on FNams or FClmas. In HCO3- -free buffer the increase in Isc induced by forskolin was inhibited completely by NPPB. The inhibition of Cl- secretion by NPPB fits well with the capacity of the drug to block Cl- channels. For the inhibition of neutral NaCl absorption two sites of action are discussed: an interaction with the Cl-/HCO3- exchanger or an interference with the extrusion of Cl- through the basolateral membrane.     

Effect of Cl- channel blockers on aconitine-induced arrhythmias in rat heart

The effects of Cl- channel blockers 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid (NPPB) and niflumic acid (NFA) on aconitine-induced arrhythmias were investigated. Left ventricular pressure and electrocardiogram were monitored in Langendorff-perfused rat hearts. Whole-cell patch-clamp and current-clamp techniques were used to measure sodium current (I(Na)) and action potential (AP), respectively, in single rat cardiac ventricular myocytes. Addition of the Na+ channel agonist aconitine (0.1 microM) to the perfusion solution produced polymorphic ventricular arrhythmias with a latent period of 25.5 +/- 6.3 s. NPPB could reverse aconitine-induced arrhythmias. A similar effect was observed by using NFA. NPPB and NFA reversibly depressed the upstroke of the AP in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 values of approximately 12.3 and approximately 73.1 microM, respectively, without significantly affecting the resting potential of rat ventricular myocytes. Both Cl- channel blockers inhibited I(Na) and induced a leftward shift of the steady-state inactivation of I(Na). In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that NPPB as well as NFA can suppress aconitine-induced arrhythmias in rat hearts mainly by inhibiting cardiac I(Na).     

Pharmacological investigation of the role of ion channels in salivary secretion

The role of K+ and Cl- channels in salivary secretion was investigated, with emphasis on the potential role of Ca2+ -activated K+ channels. Ligand saturation kinetic assays and autoradiography showed large-conductance (BK) K+ channels to be highly expressed in rat submandibular and parotid glands, whereas low-conductance (SK) K+ channels could not be detected. To investigate the role of K+ and Cl- channels in secretion, intact rabbit submandibular glands were vascularly perfused and secretion induced by 10 microM ACh. Secretion was inhibited by 34+/-3% following perfusion with the general K+ channel inhibitor Ba2+ (5 mM), whereas organic inhibitors of BK (200 nM paxilline) or intermediate-conductance (IK) K+ channels (5 microM clotrimazole) had no effect. Secretion was strongly influenced by Cl- channel inhibitors, as 100 microM 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoate (NPPB) completely abolished, while 10 microM NPPB, 20 microM NS1652 and 20 microM NS3623 reduced secretion by 34+/-3%, 23+/-3% and 59+/-4%, respectively. In conclusion, although high expression levels of BK channels were demonstrated, pharmacological tools failed to demonstrate any role for BK, IK or SK channels in salivary secretion in the rabbit submandibular gland. Other types of K+ channel, however, and particularly Cl- channels, are essential for ACh-induced salivary secretion.     

Inhibitory effect of DIDS, NPPB, and phloretin on intracellular chloride channels

We studied the effects of the chloride channel blockers, 5-nitro-2-(phenylpropylamino)-benzoate (NPPB), dihydro-4,4′ diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulphonic acid (DIDS), and phloretin on H₂O₂-induced primary culture cardiomyocyte apoptosis and activity of intracellular chloride channels obtained from rat heart mitochondrial and lysosomal vesicles. The chloride channel blockers (100 μmol/l) inhibited the H₂O₂-induced cardiomyocytes apoptosis. We characterized the effect of the blockers on single channel properties of the chloride channels derived from the mitochondrial and lysosomal vesicles incorporated into a bilayer lipid membrane. The single chloride channel currents were measured in 250:50 mmol/l KCl cis/trans solutions. NPPB, DIDS, and phloretin inhibited the chloride channels by decreasing the channel open probability in a concentration-dependent manner with EC₅₀ values of 42, 7, and 20 μmol/l, respectively. NPPB and phloretin inhibited the channel’s conductance and open dwell time, indicating that they could affect the chloride selective filter, pore permeability, and gating mechanism of the chloride channels. DIDS and NPPB inhibited the channels from the other side than bongkrekic acid and carboxyatractyloside. The results may contribute to understand a possible involvement of intracellular chloride channels in apoptosis and cardioprotection.     

GABA-Induced Cl- current in cultured embryonic human dorsal root ganglion neurons.

gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA)-activated channels in embryonic (5-8 wk old) human dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in dissociated culture were characterized by whole cell and single-channel techniques. All DRG neurons when held at negative holding membrane potentials displayed inward current to micromolar concentrations of GABA applied by pressure pulses from closely positioned micropipettes. The current was directly proportional to the concentration of GABA (EC50, 111 microM; Hill coefficient, 1.7). DRG neurons also responded to micromolar concentrations of pentobarbital and alphaxalone but not to cis-4-aminocrotonic acid (CACA), glycine, or taurine. Baclofen (100 microM) affected neither the holding currents nor K+ conductance (when patch pipettes were filled with 130 mM KCl) caused by depolarizing pulses. Whole cell GABA-currents were blocked by bicuculline, picrotoxin, and t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS; all at 100 microM). The reversal potential of whole cell GABA-currents was close to the theoretical Cl- equilibrium potential, shifting with changes in intracellular Cl- concentration in a manner expected for Cl--selective channels. The whole cell I-V curve for GABA-induced currents demonstrated slight outward rectification with nearly symmetrical outside and inside Cl- concentrations. Spectral analysis of GABA-induced membrane current fluctuations showed that the kinetic components were best fitted by a triple Lorentzian function. The apparent elementary conductance for GABA-activated Cl- channels determined from the power spectra was 22.6 pS. Single-channel recordings from cell-attached patches with pipettes containing 10 microM GABA indicated that GABA-activated channels have a main and a subconductance level with values of 30 and 19 pS, respectively. Mean open and closed times of the channel were characterized by two or three exponential decay functions, suggesting two or three open channel states and two closed states. Single channels showed a lack of rectification. The actions of GABA on cultured human embryonic DRG neurons are mediated through the activation of GABAA receptors with properties corresponding to those found in the CNS of human and other mammalian species but differing from those of cultured human adult DRG neurons.     

Role of volume-stimulated osmolyte and anion channels in volume regulation by mammalian sperm

The ability to maintain cellular volume is an important general physiological function. Swelling induced by hypotonic stress results in the opening of channels, through which ions exit with accompanying water loss (regulatory volume decrease, RVD). RVD has been shown to occur in mammalian sperm, primarily through the opening of quinine-sensitive potassium channels. However, as yet, direct evidence for the participation of anion channels in sperm RVD has been lacking. The chloride channel type ClC-3 is believed to be involved in RVD in other cell types. Using electronic cell sizing for cell volume measurement, the following results were obtained. (i) The anion channel blockers 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoic acid (NPPB), tamoxifen and 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (DIDS) increased hypotonic swelling in concentration-dependent fashion, whereas verapamil (P-glycoprotein inhibitor) had little effect. The most potent, NPPB and DIDS, blocked RVD without affecting cell membrane integrity at effective concentrations. (ii) When gramicidin was included to dissipate Na+/K+ gradients, major secondary swelling was observed under hypotonic conditions. This secondary swelling could be reduced by NPPB, and suppressed completely by replacing chloride in the medium with sulphate, an ion which does not pass through chloride channels. It was deduced that the initial hypotonic swelling activated an anion channel through which chloride ions could then enter freely down a concentration gradient, owing to the lack of a counter-gradient of potassium. (iii) Taurine, an osmolyte often involved in RVD, does not appear to play a role in sperm RVD because lengthy preincubation with taurine did not alter sperm RVD response. Our observations provide direct evidence that a chloride channel (possibly ClC-3) is involved in the process of volume regulation in mammalian sperm.     

Electrophysiology of betaine transport in isolated perfused straight proximal tubule

Betaine is accumulated in proximal renal tubular cells as an organic osmolyte. In theory, concentrative cellular uptake of betaine can be accomplished by the Na+, Cl-, betaine, GABA-cotransport system (BGT-1) cloned from MDCK cells. The carrier mediates the Na(+)-coupled electrogenic transport of organic osmolytes. Cl- may be transported together with Na+ and organic substrate but it is not an obligatory substrate. The expression of BGT is upregulated by osmotic cell shrinkage. In the present study, isolated perfused straight proximal tubules of the mouse were studied using electrophysiological techniques to elucidate the effects of betaine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the potential difference across the basolateral cell membrane (PDbl). Betaine and to a lesser extent GABA added to the bath led to the rapid depolarization of PDbl. The betaine-induced depolarization was virtually abolished in the absence of extracellular Na+ and blunted in the absence of extracellular Cl-. Inhibition of K+ channels by Ba2+ did not significantly modify betaine-induced depolarization. Increases of extracellular osmolarity enhanced, and decreases of extracellular osmolarity blunted, the betaine-induced depolarization. In conclusion, betaine transport across the basolateral cell membrane of straight proximal tubules from the mouse kidney is similar to the transport by BGT in terms of Na+ and Cl- sensitivity but not the apparent affinity for GABA. The sensitivity to ambient osmolarity indicates that betaine transport in proximal tubules is regulated rapidly and nongenomically.     

Role for ionic fluxes on cell death and apoptotic volume decrease in cultured cerebellar granule neurons

Recent evidence suggests a major role for ionic fluxes in apoptotic cell death and apoptotic volume decrease. Cerebellar granule neurons (CGN) undergo apoptosis when they are treated with staurosporine or camptothecin (CPT) or when cells are transferred from high extracellular potassium (25 mM KCl [K⁺]_e, K25) to low potassium concentration (5 mM KCl [K⁺]_e, K5). In this study we described that all three apoptotic conditions induced apoptotic volume decrease in CGN and that two different potassium channel blockers, cesium (Cs⁺) and tetraethylammonium (TEA⁺), prevented the apoptotic volume decrease, caspase-3 activation, nuclear condensation and cell death induced by K5 and CPT, but not by staurosporine. Cs⁺ and TEA⁺ also blocked membrane currents generated in K5 conditions in CGN. On the other hand, non specific Cl⁻ channel blockers such as 4,4′-diisothiocyanato-stilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DIDS) prevented loss of cell volume induced by K5 or staurosporine. Only the Cl⁻ channels blocker but not the K⁺ channels blockers protected from staurosporine-induced death of CGN. These data suggest that ionic fluxes play a key role in the activation of the apoptotic volume decrease and apoptotic death of CGN, but the fine mechanism seems to depend on the apoptotic condition.     

CFTR氯通道在硫化氢诱导的心肌保护及细胞增殖中的作用

目的： 探讨囊性纤维化跨膜传导调节因子（CFTR）氯通道在硫化氢（H2S）诱导的心肌保护及细胞增殖中的作用。方法：应用氯化钴（CoCl2）在大鼠H9c2心肌细胞建立化学性缺氧损伤心肌细胞实验模型;CCK-8试剂盒检测心肌细胞存活率;Hoechst 33342核染色法检测心肌细胞凋亡。结果：在400-2 000 μmol/L浓度范围内,CoCl2呈剂量依赖性地抑制H9c2心肌细胞的存活率,600 μmol/L CoCl2 能诱导H9c2心肌细胞产生明显的凋亡;在100-800 μmol/L浓度范围内,硫氢化钠（NaHS）呈剂量依赖性地促进H9c2心肌细胞增殖;NaHS能保护H9c2心肌细胞对抗CoCl2引起的细胞损伤作用,使细胞存活率升高,凋亡率降低;100 μmol/L CFTR氯通道拮抗剂5-硝基-2-（3-苯丙胺）-苯甲酸（NPPB)能明显地阻断NaHS对CoCl2的细胞毒性的抑制作用,但不能阻断NaHS抗心肌细胞凋亡作用及促进心肌细胞增殖作用。结论：CFTR氯通道可能参与H2S的抗CoCl2引起的心肌细胞毒性作用。     

A proton pump contributes to neuroblastoma x glioma cell membrane potentials

 The contribution of an electrogenic proton pump to the membrane potential of neuroblastoma × glioma hybrid NG 108–15 cells was determined with whole-cell voltage and current recordings and cell volume measurements with the preparation bathed in symmetrical 140 mM KCl solutions. The effects of the K⁺ channel blockers tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine and of the H⁺-ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin A1 on the membrane potential and input resistance revealed that the membrane potential is generated by an outward H⁺ pump current of 5–15 pA in equilibrium with an inward passive current. This conclusion is supported by both current- and voltage-clamp results obtained when the preparation was bathed in a Na⁺-containing external solution after K⁺ channel blockade with Cs⁺ in the pipette. Additional support was obtained by measurement of the volume of cells incubated in solutions containing 140 mM KCl. Tetraethylammonium induced a bafilomycin-sensitive increase in inward K⁺ current and an increase in cell volume of 76% which we believe to be a consequence of the K⁺ influx. Finally, comparison of membrane potentials obtained in experiments using Na⁺-containing external, and K⁺-containing pipette solutions and after K⁺ channel blockade with Cs⁺ in the pipette also showed that, under normal physiological conditions, the resting membrane potential is essentially determined by an electrogenic H⁺ pump. Received: 19 February 1997 / Received after revision: 29 May 1997 / Accepted: 5 June 1997     

Modulation of volume-sensitive Cl - channels and cell volume by actin filaments and microtubules in human cervical cancer HT-3 cells

Hypotonicity activates volume-sensitive Cl- currents, which are implicated in the regulatory volume decrease (RVD) responses and transport of taurine in human cervical cancer HT-3 cells. In this study, the role of cytoskeleton in the regulation of volume-sensitive Cl- channels and RVD responses in HT-3 cells was studied. Cells were incubated with various compounds, which depolymerized or polymerized cytoskeletal elements, i.e. actin filaments and microtubules. The hypotonicity-induced changes in Cl- conductance and in cell volume were measured by whole-cell voltage clamping and cell size monitoring, respectively. Our results show that in HT-3 cells hypotonicity activated an outward rectified Cl- current that was abrogated by Cl- channel blockers. Cytochalasin B, an actin-depolymerizing compound, induced a substantial increase in Cl- conductance under isotonic condition and potentiated the expression of Cl- currents in hypotonic stress. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) significantly inhibited the cytochalasin B-induced activation of Cl- conductance under isotonic condition. On the other hand, treatment with cytochalasin B significantly prolonged the RVD responses. Phalloidin, a stabilizer of actin polymerization, did not change the basal currents under isotonic condition, but completely abolished the increase in whole-cell Cl- conductance elicited by hypotonicity and retarded the cell volume recovery. Colchicine, a microtubule-assembly inhibitor, had no effect on either basal Cl- conductance or volume-sensitive Cl- current and was unable to inhibit the RVD responses. Taxol, a microtubule-stabilizing compound, did not alter the basal Cl- conductance, but inhibited the activation of volume-sensitive Cl- channels as well as the process of RVD in a dose-dependent manner. These data support the notion that functional integrity of actin filaments and microtubules plays critical roles in maintaining the RVD responses and activation of Cl- channels in human cervical cancer HT-3 cells.     

Changes in cell volume induced by activation of the cyclic amp-dependent chloride channel in guinea-pig cardiac myocytes

The effects of the activation of cyclic AMP-dependent Cl- current (ICl,cAMP) on cell volume were studied at various [K+]o under isosmotic conditions in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes. The area of the cell image obtained with videomicroscopy was used as an index of cell volume. I(Cl,cAMP) was activated by adrenaline (5.5 microM). Measurements of the membrane potential (Vm) were performed by the gramicidin-perforated patch-clamp method. At 5.4 mM [K+]o with low [Cl-]o, where Vm was negative to the predicted equilibrium potential of Cl- (ECl), adrenaline sizably decreased the cell area. At high [K+]o with normal [Cl-]o, where Vm was positive to ECl, adrenaline increased the cell area; at 145.4 mM [K+]o the cell area was increased to 110% of control on average (n = 22). The cells swollen in this manner shrank when [Cl-]o was reduced to a low level in the presence of adrenaline. The results indicate that the induction of Cl- influxes (outward I(Cl,cAMP)) or effluxes (inward I(Cl,cAMP)) can lead to a cell swelling or shrinkage, respectively. The addition of BaCl2 (1 mm), a blocker of K+ channels, attenuated the adrenaline-dependent cell swelling, supporting the view that Cl- fluxes must be accompanied by cofluxes of K+ ions to affect the cell volume. The adrenaline-dependent cell swelling was inhibited by antagonizing beta-adrenergic stimulation with acetylcholine or by blocking I(Cl,cAMP) channels with glibenclamide, confirming the involvement of I(Cl,cAMP) in the adrenaline response. The results show that the activation of I(Cl,cAMP) can shrink or inflate the cardiac cells under isosmotic conditions, depending on Vm and ECl.     

Neuronal Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels--homing in on an elusive channel species

Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels control electrical excitability in various peripheral and central populations of neurons. Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated or ligand-operated channels, as well as Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, have been shown to induce substantial Cl- conductances that determine the response to synaptic input, spike rate, and the receptor current of various kinds of neurons. In some neurons, Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels are localized in the dendritic membrane, and their contribution to signal processing depends on the local Cl- equilibrium potential which may differ considerably from those at the membranes of somata and axons. In olfactory sensory neurons, the channels are expressed in ciliary processes of dendritic endings where they serve to amplify the odor-induced receptor current. Recent biophysical studies of signal transduction in olfactory sensory neurons have yielded some insight into the functional properties of Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels expressed in the chemosensory membrane of these cells. Ion selectivity, channel conductance, and Ca2+ sensitivity have been investigated, and the role of the channels in the generation of receptor currents is well understood. However, further investigation of neuronal Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels will require information about the molecular structure of the channel protein, the regulation of channel activity by cellular signaling pathways, as well as the distribution of channels in different compartments of the neuron. To understand the physiological role of these channels it is also important to know the Cl- equilibrium potential in cells or in distinct cell compartments that express Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels. The state of knowledge about most of these aspects is considerably more advanced in non-neuronal cells, in particular in epithelia and smooth muscle. This review, therefore, collects results both from neuronal and from non-neuronal cells with the intent of facilitating research into Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels and their physiological functions in neurons.     

Calcium and voltage-dependent alterations of cell volume in neuroblastoma×glioma hybrid NG108-15 cells

Intracellular calcium ([Ca2+](i)), cell volume, membrane potential and currents were measured in neuroblastomaxglioma hybrid cells to gain insight into how [Ca2+](i) controls cell volume. [Ca2+](i) was increased by fluid shear stress, mechanical stimulation of the cells, the Ca2+ ionophore A23187, caffeine and thapsigargin. The increase in [Ca2+](i) induced by mechanical stimulation was decreased by about 50% by caffeine and abolished after incubation of the cells in a Ca2+-free solution. Mechanical stimulation by stirring the cell suspension induced cell shrinkage that was abolished by caffeine, but induced cell swelling in Ca2+-free solution. In the presence of caffeine, A23187 induced cell shrinkage whereas thapsigargin induced cell swelling. Both cell volume changes were inhibited by the Cl- channel blocker 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino) benzoic acid. The cells were hyperpolarized by fluid shear stress and A23187 and depolarized by caffeine, thapsigargin and intracellular EGTA. Under all these conditions, the membrane input resistance was decreased. Voltage-clamp experiments suggested that, in addition to an increased anionic current, fluid shear stress and A23187 increased a K+ current, whereas caffeine and intracellular Ca2+ chelation increased a non-selective cation current and thapsigargin increased both a K+ and a non-selective cation current. Taken together, these results suggest that, if cell volume is closely dependent on [Ca2+](i) and the activity of Cl- channels, its relative value is dependent on the ionic selectivity of co-activated channels and the membrane potential.     

Terbutaline-induced triphasic changes in volume of rat alveolar type II cells: the role of cAMP

Changes in the volume of rat alveolar type II cells (AT-II cells) induced by terbutaline, a beta(2)-agonist, were measured using video-enhanced contrast microscopy. The changes consisted of three phases: initial cell shrinkage, cell swelling, and gradual cell shrinkage. The initial cell shrinkage was Ca(2+)-dependent and was inhibited by quinine (a K+ channel blocker). The subsequent cell swelling was cAMP-dependent and was inhibited by amiloride (a Na+ channel blocker). The final cell shrinkage was cAMP-dependent and was inhibited by 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoate (NPPB, a Cl- channel blocker). Thus, terbutaline-induced cell volume changes were regulated by both Ca2+ and cAMP. Accumulation of cAMP alone, however, induced the Ca2+ -dependent cell shrinkage of AT-II cells and H-89 (a PKA inhibitor) inhibited terbutaline-induced cell volume changes. This suggests that cAMP accumulation stimulates the Ca2+ signal during terbutaline stimulation. In conclusion, terbutaline stimulates not only Na+ influx, but also K+ and Cl- release mediated via cAMP accumulation in rat AT-II cells, which induces the triphasic cell volume changes.     

低渗诱导高分化鼻咽癌细胞CNE-1容积激活性氯电流

目的： 研究细胞外低渗诱导的高分化鼻咽癌细胞CNE-1的容积激活性氯电流。方法：全细胞膜片钳记录氯电流,通过应用氯通道阻断剂、离子置换和改变细胞容积方法研究该电流的特性。结果：当细胞在等渗环境中背景电流微弱且稳定,细胞外给予47%低渗刺激后电流迅速增大,呈外向优势,对阴离子通透性的大小为：I->Br->Cl->葡萄糖酸。氯通道阻断剂ATP和NPPB可逆性地抑制此电流,ATP的抑制作用在外向电流显著强于内向电流。此电流对细胞容积改变敏感,细胞肿胀时被激活,细胞发生皱缩时则被抑制。结论：细胞外低渗诱导CNE-1 细胞产生氯电流,此电流对细胞容积的改变敏感,在CNE-1细胞容积调节中起重要作用。