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Biomedical subjects

J G Fitz

Publications and source records attributed to J G Fitz.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Nucleotide receptors regulate membrane ion transport in renal epithelial cells.

Regulation of plasma membrane ion transport by endogenous purinergic receptors was assessed in a distal renal (A6) cell line. Nucleotide analogues stimulated Na-K-Cl cotransport activity with relative potencies of ATP > UTP > ATP gamma S > 2-methylthio-ATP = alpha,beta-methylene ATP. Activation of nucleotide receptors with extracellular ATP and nucleotide analogues increased intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) primarily by release of intracellular calcium stores, with relative potency of agonists similar to that seen for stimulation of Na-K-Cl cotransport. Neither the change in [Ca2+]i nor the stimulation of cotransport was abolished by the adenosine receptor antagonist 8-(4-[N-(2-aminoethyl)carbamoylmethoxy]-phenyl)-1,3-dipropylxanthi ne (XAC). In contrast to the adenosine A2 receptor agonist 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine, nucleotide analogues had no discernible effect on cytosolic adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate levels or adenylyl cyclase activity. To address possible mechanisms for stimulation of Na-K-Cl cotransport by the nucleotide receptor, 125I efflux and patch-clamp studies were used to measure chloride secretion. ATP and ionomycin markedly enhanced 125I efflux and whole cell currents, consistent with activation of chloride conductance pathways. Diphenylamine-2-carboxylate, a chloride channel blocker, eliminated the effects of ionomycin, forskolin, adenosine, and ATP on Na-K-Cl cotransport. This study demonstrates that nucleotide receptors in this model of renal epithelium initiate distinct regulation of Na-K-Cl cotransport. Nucleotide receptors may effect their responses through primary activation of membrane chloride channels.

Biological Transport↗

Regulation of membrane chloride currents in rat bile duct epithelial cells.

This study examines the conductive properties of the plasma membrane of cells isolated from the intrahepatic portion of bile ducts. Membrane Cl- conductance was measured in single cells using whole-cell patch clamp recording techniques and in cells in short-term culture using 36Cl and 125I efflux. Separate Ca(2+)- and cAMP-dependent Cl- currents were identified. Ca(2+)-dependent Cl- currents showed outward rectification of the current-voltage relation, time-dependent activation at depolarizing potentials, and reversal near the equilibrium potential for Cl-. Ionomycin (2 microM) increased this current from 357 +/- 72 pA to 1,192 +/- 414 pA (at +80 mV) in 5:7 cells, and stimulated efflux of 125I > 36Cl in 15:15 studies. Ionomycin-stimulated efflux was inhibited by the Cl- channel blocker 4,4'-diisothiocyano-2,2'-stilbene disulfonic acid (DIDS) (150 microM). A separate cAMP-activated Cl- current showed linear current-voltage relations and no time dependence. Forskolin (10 microM) or cpt-cAMP (500 microM) increased this current from 189 +/- 50 pA to 784 +/- 196 pA (at +80 mV) in 11:16 cells, and stimulated efflux of 36Cl > 125I in 16:16 studies. cAMP-stimulated efflux was unaffected by DIDS. Because the cAMP-stimulated Cl- conductance resembles that associated with cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a putative Cl- channel protein, the presence of CFTR in rat liver was examined by immunoblot analyses. CFTR was detected as a 150-165-kD protein in specimens with increased numbers of duct cells. Immunoperoxidase staining confirmed localization of CFTR to bile duct cells but not hepatocytes. These findings suggest that Ca(2+)- and cAMP-regulated Cl- channels may participate in control of fluid and electrolyte secretion by intrahepatic bile duct epithelial cells, and that the cAMP-regulated conductance is associated with endogenous expression of CFTR. Abnormal ductular secretion may contribute to the pathogenesis of cholestatic liver disease in cystic fibrosis.

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

Mechanisms and functional role of intracellular pH regulation in hepatocytes.

Intracellular pH influences and is influenced by a diverse array of hepatocellular processes. It is regulated by the concerted action of three plasma membrane H+/HCO3- transporters that serve to buffer against both acidic (Na+/H+ exchange, Na+/HCO3- cotransport) and basic (Cl-/HCO3- exchange) metabolic challenges. The responsiveness of hepatocytes to these challenges is augmented by a regulatory interplay between pH-mediated changes in Vm and electrogenic Na+/HCO3- cotransport to maintain pHi and Vm within a range optimized to serve liver function. The cost is expenditure of metabolic energy to sustain increased activity of the Na+/K+ pump. The benefit is a dynamic servomechanism well-suited to the metabolic demands of hepatocytes, which may be found in future studies to be employed in other metabolically active epithelia as well.

Animals↗

cAMP-regulated chloride currents in CHO cells.

We examined whether elevations in cAMP levels increase membrane chloride permeability in native CHO cells by measuring whole cell chloride currents and efflux of 125I and 36Cl. With 20 microM forskolin, no significant effect was seen on whole cell currents. However, 100 microM forskolin increased both whole cell chloride currents and the rate of 125I and 36Cl efflux. Forskolin-activated currents showed a linear current-voltage relationship in solutions with symmetrical chloride concentrations and reversal potential changed in the direction anticipated for a chloride-selective current when chloride was replaced with gluconate. These results indicate that native CHO cells exhibit cAMP-regulated chloride conductance pathways which become apparent only after large elevations in intracellular cAMP levels.

Animals↗

Transmembrane electrical potential difference regulates Na+/HCO3- cotransport and intracellular pH in hepatocytes.

We have examined the hypothesis that a regulatory interplay between pH-regulated plasma membrane K+ conductance (gK+) and electrogenic Na+/HCO3- cotransport contributes importantly to regulation of intracellular pH (pHi) in hepatocytes. In individual cells, membrane depolarization produced by transient exposure to 50 mM K+ caused a reversible increase in pHi in the presence, but not absence, of HCO3-, consistent with voltage-dependent HCO3- influx. In the absence of HCO3-, intracellular alkalinization and acidification produced by NH4Cl exposure and withdrawal produced membrane hyperpolarization and depolarization, respectively, as expected for pHi-induced changes in gK+. By contrast, in the presence of HCO3-, NH4Cl exposure and withdrawal produced a decrease in apparent buffering capacity and changes in membrane potential difference consistent with compensatory regulation of electrogenic Na+/HCO3- cotransport. Moreover, the rate of pHi and potential difference recovery was several-fold greater in the presence as compared with the absence of HCO3-. Finally, continuous exposure to 10% CO2 in the presence of HCO3- produced intracellular acidification, and the rate of pHi recovery from intracellular acidosis was inhibited by Ba2+, which blocks pHi-induced changes in gK+, and by 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, which inhibits Na+/HCO3- cotransport. These findings suggest that in hepatocytes, changes in transmembrane electrical potential difference, mediated by pH-sensitive gK+, play a central role in regulation of pHi through effects on electrogenic Na+/HCO3- cotransport.

Acidosis↗

Paraneoplastic hepatopathy associated with soft tissue sarcoma.

Paraneoplastic syndromes associated with mesodermal tumors are relatively uncommon. An unusual case manifested by fever, anemia, thrombocytosis, coagulopathy, and idiopathic cholestatic liver dysfunction in association with soft tissue sarcoma is reported. A paraneoplastic syndrome is postulated in the absence of anatomic obstruction of bile flow, evidence of an infectious etiology, or neoplastic hepatic involvement.

Adult↗

Characterization of high-conductance anion channels in rat bile duct epithelial cells.

We have utilized patch clamp recording techniques to identify a high-conductance anion channel in the plasma membrane of rat bile duct epithelial cells. Cells were isolated from the intrahepatic bile duct 2-6 wk after bile duct ligation. Channels were present in 27% (28/102) of excised patches, and, with 150 mM Cl- in bath and pipette solutions, the slope conductance of the fully open level was approximately 364 +/- 18 pS (n = 8) with current reversal = 0 +/- 1 mV. Channel characteristics were not affected by substitution of K+ for Na+ in the pipette solution; but substitution of HCO3-, gluconate, or increased NaCl caused a shift in the reversal potential toward the new equilibrium potential for Cl-. The permeability ratios were PHCO3-/PCl- = 0.51 +/- 0.03 (n = 5), Pgluconate/PCl- = 0.12 +/- 0.04 (n = 7), and PNa+/PCl- = 0.11 +/- 0.02 (n = 3). Current transitions to a subconductance level at 72% of the fully open level were present in most studies. Channel open probability was greatest near 0 mV and decreased rapidly outside of -20 to +20 mV because of voltage-dependent channel closure. The time course for current relaxation of summed single channel currents could be described by a single exponential with more rapid channel closure as the magnitude of the voltage step away from 0 mV increased. In the cell-attached configuration, the channel was rarely open (4/35, 11%) but opening could be induced by negative pipette pressure (5/14, 35%). Possible physiological roles for this channel are discussed.

Animals↗

Inhibition of colonic motility by cholecystokinin.

Distal colonic motor activity was measured in 12 control subjects and seven constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome patients to examine the effects of intravenous administration of cholecystokinin. In the basal state, no significant motility differences were noted between these two groups. Following the intravenous administration of the hormone cholecystokinin, a statistically significant reduction in colonic motility in control subjects and a non-significant decrease in motility in irritable bowel syndrome patients was seen. Our results do not suggest an exaggeration of the colonic motor response to cholecystokinin occurs in irritable bowel syndrome.

Abdominal Pain↗

HCO3(-)-coupled Na+ influx is a major determinant of Na+ turnover and Na+/K+ pump activity in rat hepatocytes.

Recent studies in hepatocytes indicate that Na(+)-coupled HCO3- transport contributes importantly to regulation of intracellular pH and membrane HCO3- transport. However, the direction of net coupled Na+ and HCO3- movement and the effect of HCO3- on Na+ turnover and Na+/K+ pump activity are not known. In these studies, the effect of HCO3- on Na+ influx and turnover were measured in primary rat hepatocyte cultures with 22Na+, and [Na+]i was measured in single hepatocytes using the Na(+)-sensitive fluorochrome SBFI. Na+/K+ pump activity was measured in intact perfused rat liver and hepatocyte monolayers as Na(+)-dependent or ouabain-suppressible 86Rb uptake, and was measured in single hepatocytes as the effect of transient pump inhibition by removal of extracellular K+ on membrane potential difference (PD) and [Na+]i. In hepatocyte monolayers, HCO3- increased 22Na+ entry and turnover rates by 50-65%, without measurably altering 22Na+ pool size or cell volume, and HCO3- also increased Na+/K+ pump activity by 70%. In single cells, exposure to HCO3- produced an abrupt and sustained rise in [Na+]i from approximately 8 to 12 mM. Na+/K+ pump activity assessed in single cells by PD excursions during transient K+ removal increased congruent to 2.5-fold in the presence of HCO3-, and the rise in [Na+]i produced by inhibition of the Na+/K+ pump was similarly increased congruent to 2.5-fold in the presence of HCO3-. In intact perfused rat liver, HCO3- increased both Na+/K+ pump activity and O2 consumption. These findings indicate that, in hepatocytes, net coupled Na+ and HCO3- movement is inward and represents a major determinant of Na+ influx and Na+/K+ pump activity. About half of hepatic Na+/K+ pump activity appears dedicated to recycling Na+ entering in conjunction with HCO3- to maintain [Na+]i within the physiologic range.

Animals↗

Peptides do not induce contractions in gastrointestinal smooth muscle in calcium-free solution.

1. Smooth muscle from six sites in the cat gastrointestinal tract was evaluated with respect to its ability to generate contractions in calcium-free solutions. 2. Membrane depolarization and carbachol, but not cholecystokinin or neurotensin, increased tension in smooth muscle segments of esophagus, corpus, duodenum, ileum, proximal colon and distal colon in calcium-free solution. 3. Substance-P produced a contractile response in the absence of calcium but only in the corpus and distal colon. 4. These findings indicate that peptide mediated release of intracellular calcium plays a minimal role in activation of cat gastrointestinal smooth muscle.

Animals↗

Hepatic transport of a fluorescent stearate derivative: electrochemical driving forces in intact rat liver.

We determined the effect of varying the transmembrane Na+ electrochemical gradient on extraction of a fluorescent derivative of stearate, 12-N-methyl-7-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3,-diazol-amino stearate (NBD-stearate), by the isolated perfused rat liver. Membrane potential difference (PD) of individual hepatocytes and extraction of NBD-stearate were measured simultaneously under basal conditions and during changes in PD induced by perfusate ion substitutions. Under basal conditions, PD average -30 +/- 1 mV, and extraction of 10 microM NBD-stearate from 1% albumin solutions averaged 0.54 +/- 0.03. Fluorescence microscopy indicated that uptake exhibited a declining portal-to-central gradient in the presence but not absence of Na+. Substitution of nitrate for Cl- hyperpolarized PD to -59 mV and increased extraction to 131% of control values. Withdrawal of nitrate and substitution of gluconate for Cl- depolarized PD to -3 and -15 mV, respectively, and decreased extraction to 63 and 73% of control values. Substitution of choline for Na+ eliminated the out-to-in Na+ gradient, depolarized PD to -16 mV, and decreased extraction to 27% of control values, an effect greater than expected for membrane depolarization alone. Uptake of NBD-stearate was saturable and caused Na(+)-dependent membrane depolarization at higher concentrations (300 microM). These studies indicate that uptake of NBD-stearate occurs in large part by an efficient Na(+)-dependent mechanism compatible with electrogenic Na(+)-fatty acid cotransport.

4-Chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan↗

Plasma membrane H(+)-HCO3- transport in rat hepatocytes: a principal role for Na(+)-coupled HCO3- transport.

Na(+)-coupled HCO3- transport has been demonstrated in the basolateral membrane of hepatocytes, but there is uncertainty regarding its stoichiometry or capacity compared with other mechanisms of H(+)-HCO3- transport. After preincubation in medium free of Na+, either in the presence or absence of HCO3(-)-CO2, rat hepatocytes in primary culture were reexposed to Na+ or HCO3(-)-CO2 alone or in combination. Transporter electrogenicity was assessed by measuring membrane potential difference (PD), and the relative capacities of Na(+)-coupled HCO3- transport, Cl(-)-HCO3- exchange, and Na(+)-H+ exchange were assessed by measuring the magnitude and rate of change of intracellular pH (pHi) using BCECF. In the absence of Na+, exposure to HCO3- alone had no consistent effect on PD or pHi. In the absence of HCO3-, reexposure to Na+ depolarized cells by 3 +/- 1 mV and caused an amiloride-inhibitable increase in pHi of 0.031 +/- 0.02 units/min. In the presence of HCO3-, reexposure to Na+ hyperpolarized cells by -14 +/- 5 mV and increased pHi at a rate of 0.133 +/- 0.11 units/min; both the hyperpolarization and alkalinization were inhibited by SITS but unaffected by amiloride. These changes in PD indicate that Na(+)-coupled HCO3- transport is electrogenic, consistent with coupling of more than one HCO3- to each Na+. Furthermore, SITS-inhibitable Na(+)-dependent alkalinization exceeds amiloride-inhibitable Na(+)-dependent alkalinization by an order of magnitude, suggesting that the transport capacity of Na(+)-coupled HCO3- transport exceeds that of Na(+)-H+ exchange.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Electrophysiological evidence for Na+-coupled bicarbonate transport in cultured rat hepatocytes.

Recent observations suggest that hepatocytes exhibit basolateral electrogenic Na+-coupled HCO3- transport. In these studies, we have further investigated this transport mechanism in primary culture of rat hepatocytes using intracellular microelectrodes to measure membrane potential difference (PD) and the pH-sensitive fluorochrome 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein to measure intracellular pH (pHi). In balanced media containing 25 mM HCO3-, PD averaged -32.1 +/- 0.6 (SE) mV and pHi averaged 7.22 +/- 0.03. PD became more negative (hyperpolarized) when extracellular [HCO3-] was increased and less negative (depolarized) when extracellular HCO3- was decreased. Acute replacement of extracellular Na+ by choline also resulted in membrane depolarization of 18.0 +/- 1.6 mV, suggesting net transfer of negative charge. This decrease in PD upon Na+ removal was HCO3- -dependent, amiloride insensitive, and inhibited by the disulfonic stilbene 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (SITS). PD also decreased upon acute exposure to SITS. The degree of depolarization seen with removal of Na+ or HCO3- correlated directly with resting PD (r = 0.81 and 0.95, respectively), suggesting a voltage-dependent mechanism. Removal of extracellular Na+ also decreased pHi to 7.06 +/- 0.02, and this acidification was decreased in the absence of HCO3- or in the presence of SITS or amiloride. These studies provide direct evidence for electrogenic Na+-coupled HCO3- transport in rat hepatocytes. Further, they suggest that it represents a major pathway for conductive movement of Na+ across the membrane and that it contributes, along with Na+-H+ exchange, to the intracellular acidification observed upon removal of extracellular Na+.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

4-Acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfo↗

Effect of pH on membrane potential and K+ conductance in cultured rat hepatocytes.

We have investigated the effects of extracellular (pHo) and intracellular (pHi) pH on membrane potential difference (PD) and cell conductance (gcell) in rat hepatocytes in primary culture. PD and pHi were measured continuously by using intracellular microelectrodes and the pH-sensitive fluorochrome 2',7'-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxy fluorescein (BCECF), respectively, during abrupt changes in the pHo or ionic composition of extracellular perfusate. In the presence of 25 mM HCO3-, PD, gcell, and pHi averaged (+/- SE) -32 +/- 1 mV, 16.4 +/- 1.0 nS, and 7.32 +/- 0.01, respectively. The transference number for K+ (tk+), which reflects the fractional contribution of K+ conductance to gcell, averaged 0.36 +/- 0.03. Exposure to 1 mM Ba2+ produced membrane depolarization and decreased tK+ by approximately 90%. Lowering pHo by a variety of maneuvers in the presence and absence of HCO3- consistently decreased pHi, decreased gcell (approximately 30 nS per unit change in pHi), and depolarized PD. Increasing pHo had opposite effects, but the changes in gcell were generally greater with intracellular acidification than alkalinization. The decrease in PD produced by lowering pHo was associated with a decrease in tK+ of 73 +/- 2% and was inhibited by Ba2+. Exposure to butyrate or withdrawal of NH+4, which lowered pHi without changing pHo, also caused depolarization of PD and a decrease in gcell that was inhibited by Ba2+. These observations indicate that the PD of hepatocytes is strongly influenced by pHi, with or without changes in pHo, and they further suggest that the effects of pH on PD are mediated through changes in plasma membrane K+ conductance.

Ammonium Chloride↗

Hepatic oleate uptake. Electrochemical driving forces in intact rat liver.

Recent observations suggest that the hepatic uptake of oleate may be sodium coupled. To assess the electrochemical forces driving fatty acid uptake, we used microelectrodes to monitor continuously the electrical potential difference across the plasma membrane in the perfused rat liver while simultaneously monitoring the rate of tracer [3H]oleate uptake from 1% albumin solutions. Isosmotic cation or anion substitution was used to vary the potential difference over the physiologic range. Depolarization of cells from -29 to -19 mV by substituting gluconate for chloride reduced steady-state oleate uptake by 34%. Conversely, hyperpolarization of cells to -52 mV by substituting nitrate for chloride increased uptake by 41%. Replacement of perfusate sodium with choline depolarized the cells to -18 mV and reduced uptake by 58%, an amount greater than expected from the degree of depolarization alone. Oleate in higher concentrations (1.5 mM in 2% albumin) depolarized cells by 3 mV in the presence of sodium, but had no effect in sodium-free buffer. These results suggest that a portion of oleate uptake in the intact liver occurs by electrogenic sodium cotransport. Uptake appears to be driven by both the electrical and sodium chemical gradients across the plasma membrane.

Algorithms↗

Non-transferrin-bound iron uptake by rat liver. Role of membrane potential difference.

Non-transferrin-bound iron is efficiently cleared from serum by the liver and may be primarily responsible for the hepatic damage seen in iron-overload states. We tested the hypothesis that transport of ionic iron is driven by the negative electrical potential difference across the liver cell membrane. Extraction of 55Fe-labeled ferrous iron (1 microM) from Krebs bicarbonate buffer by the perfused rat liver was continuously monitored as the transmembrane potential difference (measured using conventional microelectrodes) was altered over the physiologic range by isosmotic ion substitution. Resting membrane potential in Krebs bicarbonate buffer was -28 +/- 1 mV. Perfusion with 1 microM ferrous iron caused a reversible 3 +/- 1 mV depolarization, and higher concentrations of iron caused even greater depolarization. Conversely, depolarization of the liver cells consistently reduced iron extraction. Replacement of sodium with potassium (70 mM) or choline (131 mM) depolarized the hepatocytes to -15 and -20 mV and decreased iron extraction by 28 and 31%, respectively. Perfusion with bicarbonate-free solutions containing tricine buffer (10 mM) reduced the membrane potential to -23 mV and reduced iron extraction by 18%. In contrast, the high basal extraction of iron (91.1 +/- 1.4%) was not further increased by substitution of nitrate for chloride (-46 mV) or infusion of glucagon (-34 mV). All effects were reversible, suggesting that perfusion with 1 microM iron produced little toxicity. These findings are consistent with an electrogenic transport mechanism for uptake of non-transferrin-bound iron that is driven by the transmembrane potential difference.

Animals↗

Hepatic efflux of glutathione by the perfused rat liver: role of membrane potential difference.

Glutathione (GSH) is released into hepatic sinusoids by a carrier-mediated process. The importance of transmembrane potential difference (PD) as a driving force for hepatic efflux of GSH from isolated perfused rat liver was investigated. The membrane PD was measured using intracellular microelectrodes as PD was altered over the physiological range by ion substitution in the perfusate. The effect of a change in membrane PD on the rate of efflux of GSH into the perfusate was determined. Because GSH carries a net negative charge at physiological values of pH, we predicted that hyperpolarization of cells would increase efflux, whereas depolarization would decrease efflux. Three different manipulations were used to depolarize the hepatocyte membrane to a similar degree, and variable effects on GSH efflux were observed. Substitution of Cl with gluconate in the perfusate depolarized the hepatocyte but had no effect on GSH efflux, whereas substitution of Na with choline in the perfusate increased GSH efflux to 110% of basal values. Perfusion with K+ inhibited GSH efflux by 21%. The latter two manipulations were associated with evidence of hepatic injury. Hyperpolarization of the hepatocyte also had variable effects on GSH efflux. Substitution of Cl with nitrate in the perfusate transiently increased the membrane PD and decreased GSH efflux, whereas perfusion with glucagon caused a sustained increase in membrane PD but did not alter GSH efflux rates. None of the latter manipulations was associated with hepatic injury and thus no consistent relationship between membrane PD and sinusoidal efflux of GSH was demonstrated. We conclude that in the isolated perfused rat liver, efflux of GSH is not driven directly by membrane PD.

Animals↗