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Biomedical subjects

Gary E Shull

Publications and source records attributed to Gary E Shull.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

Mice with a null mutation in the NHE1 Na+-H+ exchanger are resistant to cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Pharmacological studies indicate that Na+-H+ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1) plays a central role in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury; however, confirmation by alternative methods is lacking. To address this issue, we examined the role of NHE1 in ischemia-reperfusion injury using gene-targeted NHE1-null mutant (Nhe1-/-) mice. Nhe1-/- and wild-type hearts were perfused in a Langendorff apparatus in both the absence and presence of the NHE1 inhibitor eniporide, subjected to 40 minutes of ischemia and 30 minutes of reperfusion, and the effects of genetic ablation or inhibition of NHE1 on hemodynamic, biochemical, and pathological changes were assessed. In the absence of eniporide, left ventricular developed pressure, end-diastolic pressure, and coronary flow were significantly less impaired in Nhe1-/- hearts relative to wild-type hearts, and release of lactate dehydrogenase, morphological damage, and ATP depletion were also significantly less. In the presence of eniporide, however, wild-type hearts were significantly protected and there were no significant differences between the two genotypes with respect to cardiac performance, lactate dehydrogenase release, or morphological damage. Furthermore, the presence or absence of eniporide had no apparent effect on the degree of cardioprotection observed in Nhe1-/- hearts. These data demonstrate that genetic ablation of NHE1 protects the heart against ischemia-reperfusion injury. In addition to providing direct evidence that confirms previous pharmacological studies indicating a role for NHE1 in ischemia-reperfusion injury, these results suggest that the long-term absence of NHE1 does not elicit major compensatory changes that might negate the cardioprotective effects of blocking its activity over the short-term.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Identification of an apical Cl-/HCO3- exchanger in gastric surface mucous and duodenal villus cells.

The molecular identity of the apical HCO3(-)-secreting transporter in gastric mucous cells remains unknown despite its essential role in preventing injury and ulcer by gastric acid. Here we report the identification of a Cl-/HCO3- exchanger that is located on apical membranes of gastric surface epithelial cells. RT-PCR studies of mouse gastrointestinal tract mRNAs demonstrated that this transporter, known as anion exchanger isoform 4 (AE4), is expressed in both stomach and duodenum. Northern blot analysis of RNA from purified stomach epithelial cells indicated that AE4 is expressed at higher levels in mucous cells than in parietal cells. Immunoblotting experiments identified AE4 as a approximately 110- to 120-kDa protein in membranes from stomach epithelium and apical membranes from duodenum. Immunocytochemical staining demonstrated that AE4 is expressed in apical membranes of surface cells in both mouse and rabbit stomach and duodenum. Functional studies in oocytes indicated that AE4 functions as a Cl-/HCO3- exchanger. These data show that AE4 is an apical Cl-/HCO3- exchanger in gastric mucous cells and duodenal villus cells. On the basis of its function and location, we propose that AE4 may play an important role in mucosal protection.

Animals↗

Renal function in NHE3-deficient mice with transgenic rescue of small intestinal absorptive defect.

The degree to which loss of the NHE3 Na(+)/H(+) exchanger in the kidney contributes to impaired Na(+)-fluid volume homeostasis in NHE3-deficient (Nhe3(-/-)) mice is unclear because of the coexisting intestinal absorptive defect. To more accurately assess the renal effects of NHE3 ablation, we developed a mouse with transgenic expression of rat NHE3 in the intestine and crossed it with Nhe3(-/-) mice. Transgenic Nhe3(-/-) (tgNhe3(-/-)) mice tolerated dietary NaCl depletion better than nontransgenic knockouts and showed no evidence of renal salt wasting. Unlike nontransgenic Nhe3(-/-) mice, tgNhe3(-/-) mice tolerated a 5% NaCl diet. When fed a 5% NaCl diet, tgNhe3(-/-) mice had lower serum aldosterone than tgNhe3(-/-) mice on a 1% NaCl diet, indicating improved extracellular fluid volume status. Na(+)-loaded tgNhe3(-/-) mice had sharply increased urinary Na(+) excretion, reflective of increased absorption of Na(+) in the small intestine; nevertheless, they remained hypotensive, and renal studies showed a reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) similar to that observed in nontransgenic Nhe3(-/-) mice. These data show that reduced GFR, rather than being secondary to systemic hypovolemia, is a major renal compensatory mechanism for the loss of NHE3 and indicate that loss of NHE3 in the kidney alters the set point for Na(+)-fluid volume homeostasis.

Aldosterone↗

Physiological functions of plasma membrane and intracellular Ca2+ pumps revealed by analysis of null mutants.

It is known that plasma membrane Ca(2+)-transporting ATPases (PMCAs) extrude Ca(2+) from the cell and that sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPases (SERCAs) and secretory pathway Ca(2+)-ATPases (SPCAs) sequester Ca(2+) in intracellular organelles; however, the specific physiological functions of individual isoforms are less well understood. This information is beginning to emerge from studies of mice and humans carrying null mutations in the corresponding genes. Mice with targeted or spontaneous mutations in plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase isoform 2 (PMCA2) are profoundly deaf and have a balance defect due to the loss of PMCA2 in sensory hair cells of the inner ear. In humans, mutations in SERCA1 (ATP2A1) cause Brody disease, an impairment of skeletal muscle relaxation; loss of one copy of the SERCA2 (ATP2A2) gene causes Darier disease, a skin disorder; and loss of one copy of the SPCA1 (ATP2C1) gene causes Hailey-Hailey disease, another skin disorder. In the mouse, SERCA2 null mutants do not survive to birth, and heterozygous SERCA2 mutants have impaired cardiac performance and a high incidence of squamous cell cancers. SERCA3 null mutants survive and appear healthy, but endothelium-dependent relaxation of vascular smooth muscle is impaired and Ca(2+) signaling is altered in pancreatic beta cells. The diversity of phenotypes indicates that the various Ca(2+)-transporting ATPase isoforms serve very different physiological functions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

In vivo evidence for interferon-gamma-mediated homeostatic mechanisms in small intestine of the NHE3 Na+/H+ exchanger knockout model of congenital diarrhea.

Mice lacking NHE3, the major absorptive Na(+)/H(+) exchanger in the intestine, are the only animal model of congenital diarrhea. To identify molecular changes underlying compensatory mechanisms activated in chronic diarrheas, cDNA microarrays and Northern blot analyses were used to compare global mRNA expression patterns in small intestine of NHE3-deficient and wild-type mice. Among the genes identified were members of the RegIII family of growth factors, which may contribute to the increased absorptive area, and a large number of interferon-gamma-responsive genes. The latter finding is of particular interest, since interferon-gamma has been shown to regulate ion transporter activities in intestinal epithelial cells. Serum interferon-gamma was elevated 5-fold in NHE3-deficient mice; however, there was no evidence of inflammation, and unlike conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, levels of other cytokines were unchanged. In addition, quantitative PCR analysis showed that up-regulation of interferon-gamma mRNA was localized to the small intestine and did not occur in the colon, spleen, or kidney. These in vivo data suggest that elevated interferon-gamma, produced by gut-associated lymphoid tissue in the small intestine, is part of a homeostatic mechanism that is activated in response to the intestinal absorptive defect in order to regulate the fluidity of the intestinal tract.

Animals↗

The unique ultrastructure of secretory membranes in gastric parietal cells depends upon the presence of H+, K+ -ATPase.

Ion transporters play a central role in gastric acid secretion. To determine whether some of these transporters are necessary for the normal ultrastructure of secretory membranes in gastric parietal cells, mice lacking transporters for H+, K+, Cl-, and Na+ were examined for alterations in volume density (Vd) of basolateral, apical, tubulovesicular and canalicular membranes, microvillar dimensions, membrane flexibility, and ultrastructure. In mice lacking Na+/H+ exchanger 1 (NHE1) or the Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter (NKCC1), the ultrastructure and Vd of secretory membranes and the secretory canalicular to tubulovesicular membrane ratio (SC/TV), a morphological correlate of secretory activity, were similar to those of wild-type mice. In mice lacking Na+/H+ exchanger 2 (NHE2) or gastric H+, K+ -ATPase alpha- or beta-subunits, the SC/TV ratio and Vd of secretory membranes were decreased, though canaliculi were often dilated. In H+, K+ -ATPase-deficient parietal cells, canalicular folds were decreased, normally abundant tubulovesicles were replaced with a few rigid round vesicles, and microvilli were sparse, stiff and short, in contrast to the long and flexible microvilli in wild-type cells. In addition, microvilli of the H+, K+ -ATPase-deficient parietal cells had centrally bundled F-actin filaments, unlike the microvilli of wild-type cells, in which actin filaments were peripherally positioned concentric to the plasmalemma. Data showed that the absence of H+, K+ -ATPase produced fundamental changes in parietal cell membrane ultrastructure, suggesting that the pump provides an essential link between the membranes and F-actin, critical to the gross architecture and suppleness of the secretory membranes.

Animals↗

Absence of small conductance K+ channel (SK) activity in apical membranes of thick ascending limb and cortical collecting duct in ROMK (Bartter's) knockout mice.

The ROMK (Kir1.1; Kcnj1) gene is believed to encode the apical small conductance K(+) channels (SK) of the thick ascending limb (TAL) and cortical collecting duct (CCD). Loss-of-function mutations in the human ROMK gene cause Bartter's syndrome with renal Na(+) wasting, consistent with the role of this channel in apical K(+) recycling in the TAL that is crucial for NaCl reabsorption. However, the mechanism of renal K(+) wasting and hypokalemia that develop in individuals with ROMK Bartter's syndrome is not apparent given the proposed loss of the collecting duct SK channel. Thus, we generated a colony of ROMK null mice with approximately 25% survival to adulthood that provides a good model for ROMK Bartter's syndrome. The remaining 75% of null mice die in less than 14 days after birth. The surviving ROMK null mice have normal gross renal morphology with no evidence of significant hydronephrosis, whereas non-surviving null mice exhibit marked hydronephrosis. ROMK protein expression was absent in TAL and CCD from null mice but exhibited normal abundance and localization in wild-type littermates. ROMK null mice were polyuric and natriuretic with an elevated hematocrit consistent with mild extracellular volume depletion. SK channel activity in TAL and CCD was assessed by patch clamp analysis in ROMK wild-type ROMK(+/+), heterozygous ROMK(+/-), and null ROMK(-/-) mice. In 313 patches with successful seals from the three ROMK genotypes, SK channel activity in ROMK (+/+ and +/-) exhibited normal single channel kinetics. The expression frequencies are as follows: 67 (TAL) and 58% (CCD) in ROMK(+/+); about half that of the wild-type in ROMK(+/-), being 38 (TAL) and 25% (CCD); absent in both TAL or CCD in ROMK(-/-) between 2 and 5 weeks in 15 mice (61 and 66 patches, respectively). The absence of SK channel activity in ROMK null mice demonstrates that ROMK is essential for functional expression of SK channels in both TAL and CCD. Despite loss of ROMK expression, the normokalemic null mice exhibited significantly increased kaliuresis, indicating alternative mechanisms for K(+) absorption/secretion in the nephron.

Aging↗

Impaired renal NaCl absorption in mice lacking the ROMK potassium channel, a model for type II Bartter's syndrome.

ROMK is an apical K(+) channel expressed in the thick ascending limb of Henle (TALH) and throughout the distal nephron of the kidney. Null mutations in the ROMK gene cause type II Bartter's syndrome, in which abnormalities of electrolyte, acid-base, and fluid-volume homeostasis occur because of defective NaCl reabsorption in the TALH. To understand better the pathogenesis of type II Bartter's syndrome, we developed a mouse lacking ROMK and examined its phenotype. Young null mutants had hydronephrosis, were severely dehydrated, and approximately 95% died before 3 weeks of age. ROMK-deficient mice that survived beyond weaning grew to adulthood; however, they had metabolic acidosis, elevated blood concentrations of Na(+) and Cl(-), reduced blood pressure, polydipsia, polyuria, and poor urinary concentrating ability. Whole kidney glomerular filtration rate was sharply reduced, apparently as a result of hydronephrosis, and fractional excretion of electrolytes was elevated. Micropuncture analysis revealed that the single nephron glomerular filtration rate was relatively normal, absorption of NaCl in the TALH was reduced but not eliminated, and tubuloglomerular feedback was severely impaired. These data show that the loss of ROMK in the mouse causes perturbations of electrolyte, acid-base, and fluid-volume homeostasis, reduced absorption of NaCl in the TALH, and impaired tubuloglomerular feedback.

Animals↗

Loss of hyperpolarization-activated Cl(-) current in salivary acinar cells from Clcn2 knockout mice.

ClC-2 is localized to the apical membranes of secretory epithelia where it has been hypothesized to play a role in fluid secretion. Although ClC-2 is clearly the inwardly rectifying anion channel in several tissues, the molecular identity of the hyperpolarization-activated Cl(-) current in other organs, including the salivary gland, is currently unknown. To determine the nature of the hyperpolarization-activated Cl(-) current and to examine the role of ClC-2 in salivary gland function, a mouse line containing a targeted disruption of the Clcn2 gene was generated. The resulting homozygous Clcn2(-/-) mice lacked detectable hyperpolarization-activated chloride currents in parotid acinar cells and, as described previously, displayed postnatal degeneration of the retina and testis. The magnitude and biophysical characteristics of the volume- and calcium-activated chloride currents in these cells were unaffected by the absence of ClC-2. Although ClC-2 appears to contribute to fluid secretion in some cell types, both the initial and sustained salivary flow rates were normal in Clcn2(-/-) mice following in vivo stimulation with pilocarpine, a cholinergic agonist. In addition, the electrolytes and protein contents of the mature secretions were normal. Because ClC-2 has been postulated to contribute to cell volume control, we also examined regulatory volume decrease following cell swelling. However, parotid acinar cells from Clcn2(-/-) mice recovered volume with similar efficiency to wild-type littermates. These data demonstrate that ClC-2 is the hyperpolarization-activated Cl(-) channel in salivary acinar cells but is not essential for maximum chloride flux during stimulated secretion of saliva or acinar cell volume regulation.

Animals↗

Deficiency in plasma membrane calcium ATPase isoform 2 increases susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss in mice.

Susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is poorly understood at the genetic level. Mice homozygous for a null mutation in the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase isoform 2 (PMCA2) gene are deaf (Kozel et al., 1998). PMCA2 is expressed on outer hair cell stereocilia (Furuta et al., 1998). Fridberger et al. (1998) observed that the outer hair cell cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration rises following acoustic overstimulation. We hypothesized that Pmca2+/- mice may be more susceptible to NIHL. Since the auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds of Pmca2+/- mice vary with the presence of a modifier locus (Noben-Trauth et al., 1997), Pmca2+/- mice were outcrossed to normal hearing CAST/Ei mice. The pre-exposure ABR thresholds of the resulting Pmca2+/+ and Pmca2+/- siblings were indistinguishable. Groups of these mice were exposed to varying intensities of broadband noise, and ABR threshold shifts were calculated. Fifteen days following an 8 h, 113 dB noise exposure, the Pmca2+/- mice displayed significant (P < or = 0.0007) permanent threshold shifts at 16 and 32 kHz that were 15 or 25 dB greater than those observed in Pmca2+/+ littermates. Pmca2 may be the first gene with a known mutated protein product that confers increased susceptibility to NIHL.

Animals↗

An alternate pathway of cAMP-stimulated Cl secretion across the NKCC1-null murine duodenum.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-stimulated anion secretion across the duodenal epithelium requires the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in the apical membrane and anion uptake proteins in the basolateral membrane. NKCC1, the epithelial Na(+)/K(+)/2Cl(-) cotransporter, is the major protein responsible for Cl(-) uptake. In this study, we evaluate the role of NKCC1 in determining the relative rates of transepithelial Cl(-) and HCO(3)(-) secretion during cAMP stimulation of the duodenum. METHODS: Bicarbonate and chloride secretion across duodenal mucosa was measured in Ussing chambers by pH stat and (36)Cl flux methods using mice with either gene-targeted deletion of NKCC1 (NKCC1-/-) or bumetanide blockade of NKCC1. RESULTS: Total anion secretion stimulated by forskolin treatment of NKCC1-null duodenum resulted from approximately equivalent rates of electrogenic chloride, electrogenic bicarbonate, and electroneutral bicarbonate secretion. Evaluation of the alternate chloride secretory pathway indicated chloride uptake by a basolateral membrane anion exchange process with characteristics consistent with the anion exchanger isoform AE2. CONCLUSIONS: Chloride uptake by basolateral anion exchanger activity (AE2) supports intracellular cAMP-stimulated chloride secretion in the NKCC1-null duodenum. A model for the alternate chloride secretion pathway is proposed whereby chloride uptake via AE2 is coupled to basolateral NaHCO(3) cotransport to support CFTR-mediated chloride and bicarbonate secretion.

Animals↗

Astrocytes from Na(+)-K(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter-null mice exhibit absence of swelling and decrease in EAA release.

We reported previously that inhibition of Na(+)-K(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter isoform 1 (NKCC1) by bumetanide abolishes high extracellular K(+) concentration ([K(+)](o))-induced swelling and intracellular Cl(-) accumulation in rat cortical astrocytes. In this report, we extended our study by using cortical astrocytes from NKCC1-deficient (NKCC1(-/-)) mice. NKCC1 protein and activity were absent in NKCC1(-/-) astrocytes. [K(+)](o) of 75 mM increased NKCC1 activity approximately fourfold in NKCC1(+/+) cells (P < 0.05) but had no effect in NKCC1(-/-) astrocytes. Intracellular Cl(-) was increased by 70% in NKCC1(+/+) astrocytes under 75 mM [K(+)](o) (P < 0.05) but remained unchanged in NKCC1(-/-) astrocytes. Baseline intracellular Na(+) concentration ([Na(+)](i)) in NKCC1(+/+) astrocytes was 19.0 +/- 0.5 mM, compared with 16.9 +/- 0.3 mM [Na(+)](i) in NKCC1(-/-) astrocytes (P < 0.05). Relative cell volume of NKCC1(+/+) astrocytes increased by 13 +/- 2% in 75 mM [K(+)](o), compared with a value of 1.0 +/- 0.5% in NKCC1(-/-) astrocytes (P < 0.05). Regulatory volume increase after hypertonic shrinkage was completely impaired in NKCC1(-/-) astrocytes. High-[K(+)](o)-induced (14)C-labeled D-aspartate release was reduced by approximately 30% in NKCC1(-/-) astrocytes. Our study suggests that stimulation of NKCC1 is required for high-[K(+)](o)-induced swelling, which contributes to glutamate release from astrocytes under high [K(+)](o).

4,4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-Disulfonic Acid↗

Colocalization of the apical Cl-/HCO3- exchanger PAT1 and gastric H-K-ATPase in stomach parietal cells.

The apical Cl-/HCO exchanger called the putative anion transporter (PAT1; SLC26A6) is expressed on apical membranes of villus cells in the duodenum, but its location in the stomach remains unknown. Here we examined the cell distribution and membrane location of PAT1 in mouse stomach. Immunofluorescence labeling studies with anti-PAT1 antibodies and Dolichos biflorus agglutinin indicated the exclusive expression of PAT1 in gastric parietal cells. Double immunocytochemical staining revealed colocalization of PAT1 with the gastric H-K-ATPase, consistent with expression in tubulovesicles and/or the secretory canaliculus. Radiolabeled 36Cl flux studies demonstrated the functional presence of Cl-/HCO exchange in purified tubulovesicles of parietal cells. The expression of PAT1 was significantly decreased in parietal cells of gastric H-K-ATPase-null mice, which exhibit a sharp reduction in tubulovesicle membranes. These data indicate that the Cl-/HCO exchanger PAT1 is localized on tubulovesicular membranes, and they are consistent with the hypothesis that it functions in the maintenance of intravesicular ion concentrations in the resting state and dehydration of vesicles derived from the secretory membranes following the transition from the stimulated to the resting state.

Animals↗

Intestinal NaCl transport in NHE2 and NHE3 knockout mice.

Sodium/proton exchangers [Na(+)/H(+) (NHEs)] play an important role in salt and water absorption from the intestinal tract. To investigate the contribution of the apical membrane NHEs, NHE2 and NHE3, to electroneutral NaCl absorption, we measured radioisotopic Na(+) and Cl(-) flux across isolated jejuna from wild-type [NHE(+)], NHE2 knockout [NHE2(-)], and NHE3 knockout [NHE3(-)] mice. Under basal conditions, NHE(+) and NHE2(-) jejuna had similar rates of net Na(+) (approximately 6 microeq/cm(2) x h) and Cl(-) (approximately 3 microeq/cm(2) x h) absorption. In contrast, NHE3(-) jejuna had reduced net Na(+) absorption (approximately 2 microeq/cm(2) x h) but absorbed Cl(-) at rates similar to NHE(+) and NHE2(-) jejuna. Treatment with 100 microM 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl) amiloride (EIPA) completely inhibited net Na(+) and Cl(-) absorption in all genotypes. Studies of the Na(+) absorptive flux (J) indicated that J in NHE(+) jejunum was not sensitive to 1 microM EIPA, whereas J in NHE3(-) jejunum was equally sensitive to 1 and 100 microM EIPA. Treatment with forskolin/IBMX to increase intracellular cAMP (cAMP(i)) abolished net NaCl absorption and stimulated electrogenic Cl(-) secretion in all three genotypes. Quantitative RT-PCR of epithelia from NHE2(-) and NHE3(-) jejuna did not reveal differences in mRNA expression of NHE3 and NHE2, respectively, when compared with jejunal epithelia from NHE(+) siblings. We conclude that 1) NHE3 is the dominant NHE involved in small intestinal Na(+) absorption; 2) an amiloride-sensitive Na(+) transporter partially compensates for Na(+) absorption in NHE3(-) jejunum; 3) cAMP(i) stimulation abolishes net Na(+) absorption in NHE(+), NHE2(-), and NHE3(-) jejunum; and 4) electroneutral Cl(-) absorption is not directly dependent on either NHE2 or NHE3.

Amiloride↗

Decreased blood pressure and vascular smooth muscle tone in mice lacking basolateral Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter.

The basolateral Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter (NKCC1) functions in the maintenance of cellular electrolyte and volume homeostasis. NKCC1-deficient (Nkcc1(-/-)) mice were used to examine its role in cardiac function and in the maintenance of blood pressure and vascular tone. Tail-cuff measurements demonstrated that awake Nkcc1(-/-) mice had significantly lower systolic blood pressure than wild-type (Nkcc1(+/+)) mice (114.5 +/- 2.2 and 131.8 +/- 2.5 mmHg, respectively). Serum aldosterone levels were normal, indicating that extracellular fluid-volume homeostasis was not impaired. Studies using pressure transducers in the femoral artery and left ventricle showed that anesthetized Nkcc1(-/-) mice have decreased mean arterial pressure and left ventricular pressure, whereas myocardial contraction parameters were not significantly different from those of Nkcc1(+/+) mice. When stimulated with phenylephrine, aortic smooth muscle from Nkcc1(+/+) and Nkcc1(-/-) mice exhibited no significant differences in maximum contractility and only moderate dose-response shifts. In phasic portal vein smooth muscle from Nkcc1(-/-) mice, however, a sharp reduction in mechanical force was noted. These results indicate that NKCC1 can be important for the maintenance of normal blood pressure and vascular tone.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

Novel Schering and ouabain-insensitive potassium-dependent proton secretion in the mouse cortical collecting duct.

The intercalated (IC) cells of the cortical collecting duct (CCD) are important to acid-base homeostasis by secreting acid and reabsorbing bicarbonate. Acid secretion is mediated predominantly by apical membrane Schering (SCH-28080)-sensitive H(+)-K(+)- ATPase (HKA) and bafilomycin-sensitive H(+)-ATPase. The SCH-28080-sensitive HKA is believed to be the gastric HKA (HKAg). Here we examined apical membrane potassium-dependent proton secretion in IC cells of wild-type HKAg (+/+) and HKAg knockout (-/-) mice to determine relative contribution of HKAg to luminal proton secretion. The results demonstrated that HKAg (-/-) and wild-type mice had comparable rates of potassium-dependent proton secretion, with HKAg (-/-) mice having 100% of K(+)-dependent H(+) secretion vs. wild-type mice. Potassium-dependent proton secretion was resistant to ouabain and SCH-28080 in HKAg knockout mice but was sensitive to SCH-28080 in wild-type animals. Northern hybridizations did not demonstrate any upregulation of colonic HKA in HKAg knockout mice. These data indicate the presence of a previously unrecognized K(+)-dependent SCH-28080 and ouabain-insensitive proton secretory mechanism in the cortical collecting tubule that may play an important role in acid-base homeostasis.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

Mouse mammary epithelial cells express the Na-K-Cl cotransporter, NKCC1: characterization, localization, and involvement in ductal development and morphogenesis.

Despite the fact that physiological evidence points to the existence of a functional Na-K-Cl cotransporter in the mammary gland, the molecular identity of this transport process remains unknown. We now show that the Na-K-Cl cotransporter isoform, NKCC1, is expressed in mammary tissue. Developmental profiling revealed that the level of NKCC1 protein was significantly influenced by the stage of mammary gland development, and immunolocalization studies demonstrated that NKCC1 was present on the basolateral membrane of mammary epithelial cells. To examine whether functional NKCC1 is required for mammary epithelial cell development, we used NKCC1 -/- mice. We demonstrate that NKCC1 -/- mammary epithelium exhibited a significant delay in ductal outgrowth and an increase in branching morphogenesis during virgin development. These effects were autonomous to the epithelium as assessed by mammary gland transplantation. Although the absence of NKCC1 had no apparent effect on gross mammary epithelial cell morphology during lactation, pups born to NKCC1 -/- mice failed to thrive. Finally, analysis of NKCC1 protein in mouse models that exhibit defects in mammary gland development demonstrate that high levels of NKCC1 protein are indicative of ductal epithelial cells, and the presence of NKCC1 protein is characteristic of mammary epithelial cell identity.

Animals↗

SERCA3 ablation does not impair insulin secretion but suggests distinct roles of different sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pumps for Ca(2+) homeostasis in pancreatic beta-cells.

Two sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPases, SERCA3 and SERCA2b, are expressed in pancreatic islets. Immunocytochemistry showed that SERCA3 is restricted to beta-cells in the mouse pancreas. Control and SERCA3-deficient mice were used to evaluate the role of SERCA3 in beta-cell cytosolic-free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](c)) regulation, insulin secretion, and glucose homeostasis. Basal [Ca(2+)](c) was not increased by SERCA3 ablation. Stimulation with glucose induced a transient drop in basal [Ca(2+)](c) that was suppressed by inhibition of all SERCAs with thapsigargin (TG) but unaffected by selective SERCA3 ablation. Ca(2+) mobilization by acetylcholine was normal in SERCA3-deficient beta-cells. In contrast, [Ca(2+)](c) oscillations resulting from intermittent glucose-stimulated Ca(2+) influx and [Ca(2+)](c) transients induced by pulses of high K(+) were similarly affected by SERCA3 ablation or TG pretreatment of control islets; their amplitude was increased and their slow descending phase suppressed. This suggests that, during the decay of each oscillation, the endoplasmic reticulum releases Ca(2+) that was pumped by SERCA3 during the upstroke phase. SERCA3 ablation increased the insulin response of islets to 15 mmol/l glucose. However, basal and postprandial plasma glucose and insulin concentrations in SERCA3-deficient mice were normal. In conclusion, SERCA2b, but not SERCA3, is involved in basal [Ca(2+)](c) regulation in beta-cells. SERCA3 becomes operative when [Ca(2+)](c) rises and is required for normal [Ca(2+)](c) oscillations in response to glucose. However, a lack of SERCA3 is insufficient in itself to alter glucose homeostasis or impair insulin secretion in mice.

Animals↗