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Alan S Verkman

Publications and source records attributed to Alan S Verkman.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

CFTR inhibition mimics the cystic fibrosis inflammatory profile.

Primary airway epithelial cells grown in air-liquid interface differentiate into cultures that resemble native epithelium morphologically, express ion transport similar to those in vivo, and secrete cytokines in response to stimuli. Comparisons of cultures derived from normal and cystic fibrosis (CF) individuals are difficult to interpret due to genetic differences besides CFTR. The recently discovered CFTR inhibitor, CFTR(inh)-172, was used to create a CF model with its own control to test if loss of CFTR-Cl(-) conductance alone was sufficient to initiate the CF inflammatory response. Continuous inhibition of CFTR-Cl(-) conductance for 3-5 days resulted in significant increase in IL-8 secretion at basal (P = 0.006) and in response to 10(9) Pseudomonas (P = 0.0001), a fourfold decrease in Smad3 expression (P = 0.02), a threefold increase in RhoA expression, and increased NF-kappaB nuclear translocation upon TNF-alpha/IL-1beta stimulation (P < 0.000001). CFTR inhibition by CFTR(inh)-172 over this period does not increase epithelial sodium channel activity, so lack of Cl(-) conductance alone can mimic the inflammatory CF phenotype. CFTR(inh)-172 does not affect IL-8, IL-6, or granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor secretion in two CF phenotype immortalized cell lines: 9/HTEo(-) pCEP-R and 16HBE14o(-) AS, or IL-8 secretion in primary CF cells, and inhibitor withdrawal abolishes the increased response, so CFTR(inh)-172 effects on cytokines are not direct. Five-day treatment with CFTR(inh)-172 does not affect cells deleteriously as evidenced by lactate dehydrogenase, trypan blue, ciliary activity, electron micrograph histology, and inhibition reversibility. Our results support the hypothesis that lack of CFTR activity is responsible for the onset of the inflammatory cascade in the CF lung.

Amiloride↗
PubMed2006

Increased seizure duration and slowed potassium kinetics in mice lacking aquaporin-4 water channels.

The glial water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) has been hypothesized to modulate water and potassium fluxes associated with neuronal activity. In this study, we examined the seizure phenotype of AQP4 -/- mice using in vivo electrical stimulation and electroencephalographic (EEG) recording. AQP4 -/- mice were found to have dramatically prolonged stimulation-evoked seizures after hippocampal stimulation compared to wild-type controls (33 +/- 2 s vs. 13 +/- 2 s). In addition, AQP4 -/- mice were found to have a higher seizure threshold (167 +/- 17 microA vs. 114 +/- 10 microA). To assess a potential effect of AQP4 on potassium kinetics, we used in vivo recording with potassium-sensitive microelectrodes after direct cortical stimulation. Although there was no significant difference in baseline or peak [K(+)](o), the rise time to peak [K(+)](o) (t(1/2), 2.3 +/- 0.5 s) as well as the recovery to baseline [K(+)](o) (t(1/2), 15.6 +/- 1.5 s) were slowed in AQP4 -/- mice compared to WT mice (t(1/2), 0.5 +/- 0.1 and 6.6 +/- 0.7 s, respectively). These results implicate AQP4 in the expression and termination of seizure activity and support the hypothesis that AQP4 is coupled to potassium homeostasis in vivo.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed2005

Mucin glycosylation changes in cystic fibrosis lung disease are not manifest in submucosal gland secretions.

SMG (submucosal gland) secretions are a major component of the airway surface liquid, are associated with innate immunity in the lung, and have been reported to be altered in lung disease. Changes in lung mucosal glycosylation have been reported in CF (cystic fibrosis), which may be responsible for differential bacterial binding to glycosylated components in the lung mucosa and hence increased pre-disposition to pulmonary infection. Glycoproteomic analysis was performed on SMG secretions collected from explanted bronchial tissue of subjects with severe lung disease, with and without CF, and controls without lung disease. Mucins MUC5B and MUC5AC were shown to be the dominant high-molecular-mass glycoprotein components, with a minor non-mucin glycoprotein component, gp-340, also present. Oligosaccharides containing blood-group determinants corresponding to subjects' blood type were abundant on MUC5B/MUC5AC, as were Lewis-type epitopes and their sialylated analogues, which are ligands for pathogens and leucocytes. No significant differences were found in the glycosylation of MUC5B/MUC5AC or gp-340 between CF and non-CF subjects with severe lung disease, implying that CF does not influence SMG secretion mucin glycosylation in end-stage lung disease. There were also no significant differences found in the glycosylation of these components in severe lung disease compared with non-diseased lungs. This suggests that previously reported changes in the glycosylation of respiratory glycoconjugates in CF, and other pulmonary conditions, are not due to the glycosylation of components in SMG secretions, but may involve other secretions, responses or extracellular factors.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Prevention of toxin-induced intestinal ion and fluid secretion by a small-molecule CFTR inhibitor.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) provides an important apical route for Cl(-) secretion across intestinal epithelia. A thiazolidinone-type CFTR blocker (CFTR(inh)-172) reduced cholera toxin-induced fluid accumulation in mouse intestinal loops. Here, we characterize the efficacy and pharmacodynamics of CFTR(inh)-172 in blocking cAMP and cGMP induced Cl(-)/fluid secretion in rodent and human intestine. METHODS & RESULTS: CFTR(inh)-172 inhibited cAMP and cGMP agonist induced short-circuit current by >95% in T84 colonic epithelial cells (K(I) approximately 3 micromol/L) and in mouse and human intestinal sheets (K(I) approximately 9 micromol/L). A single intraperitoneal injection of CFTR(inh)-172 (200 microg) blocked intestinal fluid secretion in a rat closed-loop model by >90% for cholera toxin and >70% for STa Escherichia coli toxin. In mice, CFTR(inh)-172 (20 microg) inhibited cholera toxin-induced intestinal fluid secretion by 90% (persistence t(1/2) approximately 10 hours, K(I) approximately 5 microg) and STa toxin by 75% (K(I) approximately 10 microg). Tissue distribution and pharmacokinetic studies indicated intestinal CFTR(inh)-172 accumulation facilitated by enterohepatic circulation. An oral CFTR(inh)-172 preparation reduced fluid secretion by >90% in a mouse open-loop cholera model. CONCLUSIONS: A small molecule CFTR blocker markedly reduced intestinal ion and fluid secretion caused by cAMP/cGMP-dependent bacterial enterotoxins. CFTR inhibition may thus reduce fluid secretion in infectious secretory diarrheas.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2004

Drug discovery and epithelial physiology.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Small-molecule inhibitors and activators of gene products or cell functions can be valuable research tools for analyzing gene function ('chemical genetics'), and as leads for the development of new therapies ('drug discovery'). The recent National Institutes of Health roadmap highlights small-molecule discovery and applications in cellular and in-vivo systems as an important new research direction. The purpose of this review is to explain the small-molecule discovery process for investigators doing research in an academic setting, with emphasis on advances and directions in epithelial transport physiology. RECENT FINDINGS: The small-molecule discovery process involves the identification and validation of gene or phenotype targets, the screening of collections of small compounds for activity against the target, and the evaluation and optimization of compounds of interest. Many potential targets in renal epithelial physiology are suitable for small-molecule identification. Although small-molecule discovery in epithelial biology is in its infancy, recent advances have been reported in modulating the function of epithelial chloride channels, including the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and ClC-type chloride channels. SUMMARY: Small-molecule discovery by the screening of chemical libraries is feasible in the academic setting, and holds great potential for the elucidation of gene function and complex regulatory pathways, and the identification of lead drug candidates for rare diseases and diseases of limited commercial interest. The rapid chemical turn-off of gene function addresses the concerns of compensatory/developmental changes in cell and animal models of gene deletion.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Solute and macromolecule diffusion in cellular aqueous compartments.

Diffusion of solutes and macromolecules in aqueous cellular compartments is required for numerous cellular processes including metabolism, second messenger signaling and protein-protein interactions. The view of the cell interior has evolved from that of a viscous gel to that of a watery but crowded compartment. Recent measurements of fluorescent probe diffusion using photobleaching, correlation microscopy and time-resolved anisotropy methods, have indicated unexpectedly high mobilities of small solutes and macromolecules. This review evaluates experimental evidence defining the rates and barriers for molecular diffusion in cells. Possible implications of regulated molecular diffusion as a rate-limiting step in cell metabolism, and with respect to the delivery of therapeutic agents, are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Aquaporin gene delivery to kidney.

BACKGROUND: Several aquaporin- (AQP) type water channels are expressed in kidney tubules and microvessels, including AQP1 in proximal tubule, thin descending limb of Henle and vasa recta, AQP2 in collecting duct apical membrane, and AQP3 and AQP4 in collecting duct basolateral membrane. Mice deficient in these aquaporins have distinct phenotypic abnormalities. AQP1 null mice are polyuria and unable to generate a concentrated urine after water deprivation. AQP2-T126M mutant mice and AQP3 null mice manifest nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) with severe polyuria, whereas AQP4 null mice have only a mild defect in maximal urinary concentrating ability. We reasoned that these mice could serve as useful models for gene replacement because of their predictable and unambiguous phenotypes. METHODS: In an initial feasibility study, an adenovirus directing the expression of AQP1 was introduced into AQP1 null mice by intravenous infusion. RESULTS: At 1 week after adenovirus infusion, AQP1 was seen in many proximal tubules and microvessels. Compared with untreated null mice, the treated mice were able to partially concentrate their urine and lost less weight after water deprivation. However, AQP1 transgene expression and functional correction were lost over 3-5 weeks. CONCLUSION: Although there remain many technical problems to overcome, aquaporin gene replacement has potential applications in hereditary and acquired NDI, and in the transient modulation of renal fluid conservation.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed2002

Expression and localization of aquaporin 1 and 3 in human fetal membranes.

OBJECTIVES: Aquaporins are a family of water-selective channels that facilitate fluid movement across cell membranes. Specifically, aquaporin 1 (AQP1) and aquaporin 3 (AQP3) have been found to be important in osmotic water movement across membranes. Our goal in this study was (1) to determine whether AQP1 or AQP3 messenger RNA are expressed in the chorioamniotic membrane and, if present, (2) to determine the precise membrane location of these aquaporins. STUDY DESIGN: Placentas were collected from women with intact membranes not in labor who underwent elective cesarean sections at term (37-40 weeks). The membranes (amnion and chorion) directly overlying the placenta were sampled as well as the free-floating reflected membranes. RNA and protein were isolated from the amnion and chorion. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western analysis, and immunohistochemistry were used to determine expression and localization of AQP1 and AQP3. RESULTS: AQP1 messenger RNA was found in amnion and chorion from both membrane locations. Western analysis also yielded positive results for amnion and chorion from both locations. Immunohistochemical localization of AQP1 showed it to be present on the apical aspect of the chorionic plate amnion. AQP3 protein was not found in the fetal membranes. CONCLUSIONS: AQP1 is present in the fetal membranes. AQP1 may play a role in water movement from the amniotic cavity across the placenta into the fetal circulation. Further studies are needed to clarify our understanding of the role of fetal membrane aquaporins in amniotic fluid homeostasis.

Amnion↗
PubMed2002

Unimpaired osmotic water permeability and fluid secretion in bile duct epithelia of AQP1 null mice.

The mechanisms by which fluid moves across the luminal membrane of cholangiocyte epithelia are uncertain. Previous studies suggested that aquaporin-1 (AQP1) is an important determinant of water movement in rat cholangiocytes and that cyclic AMP mediates the movement of these water channels from cytoplasm to apical membrane, thereby increasing the osmotic water permeability. To test this possibility we measured agonist-stimulated fluid secretion and osmotically driven water transport in isolated bile duct units (IBDUs) from AQP1 wild-type (+/+) and null (-/-) mice. AQP1 expression was confirmed in a mouse cholangiocyte cell line and +/+ liver. Forskolin-induced fluid secretion, measured from the kinetics of IBDU luminal expansion, was 0.05 fl/min and was not impaired in -/- mice. Osmotic water permeability (P(f)), measured from the initial rate of IBDU swelling in response to a 70-mosM osmotic gradient, was 11.1 x 10(-4) cm/s in +/+ mice and 11.5 x 10(-4) cm/s in -/- mice. P(f) values increased by approximately 50% in both +/+ and -/- mice following preincubation with forskolin. These findings provide direct evidence that AQP1 is not rate limiting for water movement in mouse cholangiocytes and does not appear to be regulated by cyclic AMP in this species.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Physiological importance of aquaporin water channels.

Aquaporins (AQP) are a family of at least ten homologous water transporting proteins in mammals that are expressed in many epithelial, endothelial and other tissues. Abnormalities in humans and mice lacking AQPs provide direct evidence for their physiological importance. Humans lacking AQP1 or AQP2 manifest polyuria with defective urinary concentrating ability and humans with mutations in MIP (AQP0) develop cataracts. Transgenic knockout mice lacking AQP1 or AQP3 are also remarkably polyuric, and knock-in mice expressing a mutant AQP2 have severe nephrogenic diabetes insipidus resulting in impaired neonatal survival. Other interesting phenotypes in AQP knockout mice include reduced pain sensation, reduced intraocular pressure, defective corneal fluid transport and impaired dietary fat processing (AQP1), dry skin (AQP3), protection from brain swelling and impaired hearing/vision (AQP4), and reduced fluid secretion by salivary and airway submucosal glands (AQP5). However, many phenotype studies were negative, such as normal airway/lung and skeletal muscle function despite AQP expression, indicating that tissue-specific aquaporin expression does not indicate physiological significance. The general paradigm from studies on transgenic mouse models of AQP deletion is that AQPs facilitate rapid near-isosmolar transepithelial fluid absorption / secretion, as well as rapid vectorial water movement driven by osmotic gradients. The transgenic mouse studies suggest that aquaporin inhibitors may have clinical indications as diuretics and in the treatment of cerebral edema, elevated intraocular pressure, and other conditions of abnormal fluid homeostasis.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Aquaporin-4 expression in adult and developing mouse and rat kidney.

Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is a member of the aquaporin water-channel family. AQP4 is expressed primarily in the brain, but it is also present in the collecting duct of the kidney, where it is located in the basolateral plasma membrane of principal cells and inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells. Recent studies in the mouse also have reported the presence of AQP4 in the basolateral membrane of the proximal tubule. The purpose of this study was to establish the pattern of AQP4 expression during kidney development and in the adult kidney of both the mouse and the rat. Kidneys of adult and 3-, 7-, and 15-d-old mice and rats were preserved for immunohistochemistry and processed using a peroxidase pre-embedding technique. In both the mouse and the rat, strong basolateral immunostaining was observed in IMCD cells and principal cells in the medullary collecting duct at all ages examined. Labeling was weaker in the cortical collecting duct and the connecting tubule, and there was no labeling of connecting tubule cells in the mouse. In adult mouse kidney, strong AQP4 immunoreactivity was observed in the S3 segment of the proximal tubule. However, there was little or no labeling in the cortex or around the corticomedullary junction in 3- and 7-d-old mice. Between 7 and 15 d of age, distinct AQP4 immunoreactivity appeared in the S3 segment of the mouse proximal tubule concomitant with the differentiation of this segment of the nephron. Labeling of proximal tubules was never observed in the rat kidney. These results suggest that there are differences in transepithelial water transport between mouse and rat or that additional, not yet identified water channels exist in the rat proximal tubule.

Aging↗