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M Soleimani

Publications and source records attributed to M Soleimani.

72 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Na+/H+ exchanger isoforms NHE-2 and NHE-1 in inner medullary collecting duct cells. Expression, functional localization, and differential regulation.

Recent cloning experiments have identified the existance of four distinct Na+/H+ exchanger isoforms designated as NHE-1, NHE-2, NHE-3, and NHE-4. The cellular distribution, subcellular localization, and regulation of one of these isoforms, NHE-2, in the kidney remains unknown. Northern hybridization showed that NHE-2, along with NHE-1, is expressed in cultured renal medullary collecting duct (mIMCD-3) cells. Acid-stimulated, dimethyl amiloride-sensitive 22Na+ uptake and sodium-dependent pHi recovery occurred only from the basolateral surface of the cells, indicating localization of Na+/H+ exchanger to the basolateral membrane domain. Incubation of IMCD cells in high osmolality media (510 mosm/liter) for 72 h stimulated the Na+/H+ exchanger activity by 59% (p < 0.001). NHE-1 mRNA abundance decreased, whereas NHE-2 mRNA increased in high osmolality media. Incubation of IMCD cells in acid media (pH 7.1) for 48 h did not affect the Na+/H+ exchanger activity compared with control (pH 7.4) (p > 0.05). Northern hybridization, however, indicated that NHE-1 mRNA increased, whereas NHE-2 mRNA decreased in acid media. In conclusion, mIMCD-3 cells express NHE-1 and NHE-2 mRNAs. The cell functional studies in mIMCD-3 cells strongly suggest that NHE-2, along with NHE-1, is expressed in the basolateral membrane domain. They further demonstrate differential regulation of NHE-1 and NHE-2 mRNAs in response to acidosis and high osmolality and suggest that NHE-2 may be involved in volume regulation of IMCD cells.

Animals↗

Localization of the Na+/H+ exchanger isoform NHE-3 in rabbit and canine kidney.

The distribution and subcellular localization of Na+/H+ exchanger isoform NHE-3 was studied in rabbit and canine kidney using polyclonal antibodies to an NHE-3 fusion protein. Western blot analyses were performed against microsomal, brush-border, and basolateral membranes isolated from rabbit kidney cortex, outer medulla, and inner medulla. Immunoblots indicated that NHE-3 antibody recognized a strong band with 95-100 kDa molecular mass in cortical microsomes. Subcellular localization studies showed that NHE-3 was expressed in brush-border membranes of kidney cortex. Expression of NHE-3 in the medullary regions was studied by immunoblot analysis of NHE-3 antibody against the microsomal membranes from the outer and inner medulla. NHE-3 antibody specifically labelled a 95-100 kDa protein in outer but not inner medulla. Subcellular localization studies demonstrated that NHE-3 is localized to the brush-border membranes of the outer medulla. Immunoblot analysis against brush-border membranes from canine kidney cortex and outer medulla demonstrated the presence of an 83-90 kDa protein. The above experiments suggest that NHE-3 in rabbit kidney is a 95-100 kDa protein and is expressed in brush-border membranes of the cortex and outer medulla. The canine kidney NHE-3 is a 83-90 kDa protein and is expressed in brush-border membranes of the cortex and outer medulla. Based on its subcellular localization, we conclude that NHE-3 may be involved in vectorial Na+ and HCO3- transport and pHo regulation.

Animals↗

Effect of high osmolality on Na+/H+ exchange in renal proximal tubule cells.

Na+/H+ exchanger isoform and the effect of high osmolality on its function was studied in cultured renal epithelial cells (LLC-PK1 and OK). Using NHE-3-specific antibody, immunoblots of luminal membranes from LLC-PK1 and OK cells specifically labeled proteins with molecular masses 90 and 95 kDa, indicating that NHE-3 is the isoform expressed on the luminal membranes of these epithelia. Proximal tubular suspensions from rabbit kidney cortex were incubated in control (310 mosm/liter) or high osmolality (510 mosm/liter) medium for 45 min and utilized for brush border membrane vesicle preparation. Influx of amiloride-sensitive 22Na+ at 10 s (pHo 7.5, pHi 6.0) into brush border membrane vesicles was 37% lower in the high osmolality group (p < 0.03). LLC-PK1 or OK cells were grown to confluence and examined for Na+/H+ exchange activity. An increase in medium osmolality to 510 mosm following acid loading decreased the 5-min uptake of the amiloride-sensitive 22Na+ in LLC-PK1 and OK cells (p < 0.04 and < 0.03 for LLC-PK1 cell OK cells, respectively). An increase in medium osmolality to 510 mosm in vascular smooth muscle cells, which express NHE-1, produced 45 and 64% stimulation of the amiloride-sensitive 22Na+ influx at base-line pHi and acid-loaded condition, respectively (p < 0.03 and < 0.01). Down-regulation of protein kinase C by preincubation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or inhibition of Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (calmodulin-kinase II) by N-6-aminohexyl-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide (W-7) in LLC-PK1 cells did not block the inhibitory effect of high osmolality on Na+/H+ exchange activity. We conclude that renal proximal tubule epithelial cells express Na+/H+ exchange isoform NHE-3 on their luminal membranes and that hyperosmolality decreases transporter activity during cell acidification. This inhibitory effect might be unique to the NHE-3 isoform, since vascular smooth muscle cells which express NHE-1 exhibit an increase in Na+/H+ exchange activity in response to high osmolality.

Amiloride↗

Presence of chloride-formate exchange in vascular smooth muscle and cardiac cells.

The presence of chloride-formate anion exchange in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and cardiac myocytes was investigated. Imposing an outward chloride gradient in sarcolemmal microsomes isolated from canine aorta stimulated [14C]formate uptake compared with the absence of a chloride gradient (24.3 +/- 2.33 versus 9.8 +/- 1.41 pmol/mg protein for 30 seconds, P < .03) and induced transient uphill [14C]formate uptake. The chloride-formate exchange was significantly inhibited in the presence of 1 mmol/L 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS) or furosemide (57% and 61%, respectively). Incubation of rat cultured VSMCs in a medium containing [14C]formate resulted in uptake of formate that was significantly DIDS and furosemide sensitive (79.34 +/- 2.47, 43.03 +/- 2.37, and 44.65 +/- 1.68 pmol/mg protein for 4 minutes in control, DIDS, and furosemide groups, respectively). Preincubation of the VSMCs in chloride-free medium significantly reduced the DIDS-sensitive (36.31 versus 16.85 pmol/mg protein for 4 minutes, P < .001) and furosemide-sensitive (34.72 versus 8.78 pmol/mg protein for 4 minutes, P < .001) [14C]formate uptake. These results are compatible with the presence of chloride-formate exchange in VSMCs. Influx of [14C]formate into sarcolemmal vesicles isolated from canine heart was significantly higher in the presence of an outward chloride gradient than in its absence (18.1 +/- 2.3 versus 9.6 +/- 1.7 pmol/mg protein for 30 seconds, P < .03). The chloride-formate exchange was significantly inhibited in the presence of 1 mmol/L DIDS or furosemide (41% and 52%, respectively). We conclude that the distribution of chloride-formate exchange may be more universal than previously suggested.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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

Acute regulation of Na+/H+ exchange, Na+:HCO3- cotransport, and C1-/base exchange in acid base disorders.

The aim of these experiments was to study acute regulation of proximal tubule H+/HCO3- transport systems in acid-base disorders. Proximal tubular suspensions were prepared from rabbit kidney cortex and incubated in acidic (pH 6.9), control (pH 7.4), or alkalotic (pH 8.0) media for 45 minutes and gassed with 5% CO2. Brush border membrane (BBM) and basolateral membrane (BLM) vesicles were isolated from the tubular suspensions and studied for the activity of the pH-regulating transport systems. Influx of amiloride-sensitive 22Na at 10 seconds (pHo 7.5, pHi 6.0) into BBM vesicles was 36% higher in the acidotic and 51% lower in alkalotic groups compared to control. HCO3-dependent 22Na uptake was increased by 55% in BLM vesicles from acidotic and remained unchanged in ones from alkalotic tubules. The presence of 250 nmol/L staurosporine during incubation in acidic medium reduced the activities of Na+/H+ exchange and Na+/HCO3- cotransport by 19% and 17%, respectively. 36Chloride influx into BBM vesicles (mediated via Cl-/Cl- exchange) remained unchanged in vesicles harvested from tubules in acidic and alkalotic media. However, 36chloride influx into BLM vesicles (mediated via Cl-/Cl- exchange) decreased by 23% in the acidic and increased by 37% in the alkalotic group. Staurosporine had no effect on Cl/base exchange in BLM vesicles isolated from control, acidotic, or alkalotic tubules. We conclude that in vitro acid-base disorders are associated with complex and preferential adaptive changes in certain pH-regulating processes in kidney proximal tubules. Some of these effects are partially mediated via protein kinase C.

Acid-Base Imbalance↗

Identification and covalent modification of a renal brush-border anion exchanger.

Brush-border membrane (BBM) proteins that bind the arginine-specific reagent phenylglyoxal (PG) and interact with stilbene disulfonic derivatives were identified in canine kidney cortex. Pretreatment of BBM vesicles with PG resulted in irreversible inhibition of anion exchange as assayed by 36Cl- influx mediated via Cl-/Cl- exchange. Cl-/Cl- exchange was reversibly inhibited by the disulfonic stilbene 4,4'-dinitrostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate (DNDS). A stilbene-affinity matrix was prepared by immobilizing DNDS in polyacrylamide beads. Elution of the BBM proteins from a disulfonic stilbene (DNDS) affinity matrix revealed two proteins at 160 and 230 kDa that were significantly enriched compared to initial material. Radiolabeling of the eluted mixture with [14C]phenylglyoxal demonstrated covalent binding to several proteins, including the 160 kDa protein. Reconstitution of the proteins eluted from the affinity matrix into phosphatidylcholine demonstrated DIDS-sensitive 36Cl(-)-influx mediated via Cl-/Cl- exchange. Pretreatment of the BBM vesicles with PG selectively blocked binding of the 160 kDa protein to the DNDS affinity matrix. Radiolabelling of the PG-pretreated, affinity-purified membrane proteins showed selective prevention of [14C]phenylglyoxal binding to the 160 kDa protein. Reconstitution of the PG-pretreated proteins eluted from the affinity matrix demonstrated significant reduction in Cl-/Cl- exchange activity. These results suggest that a 160 kDa protein is a strong candidate for anion exchange transport in kidney proximal tubules.

Animals↗

A protein with anion exchange properties found in the kidney proximal tubule.

One important mechanism for reabsorption of chloride in the kidney proximal tubule involves anion exchange of chloride for a base. Anion exchange transport systems in general demonstrate sensitivity to inhibition by disulfonic stilbenes, probenecid, furosemide, and the arginyl amino group modifier phenylglyoxal. Using disulfonic stilbene affinity chromatography, we have identified and partially purified a protein with anion exchanger properties in luminal membrane vesicles isolated from rabbit kidney cortex. This protein has a molecular weight of 162 kD. The binding of the 162 kD protein to the stilbene affinity matrix is inhibited by disulfonic stilbenes, probenecid, furosemide, and phenylglyoxal. Reconstitution of the proteins eluted from the affinity matrix into liposomes demonstrates anion exchange activity as assayed by radiolabeled chloride influx. Deletion of the 162 kD protein from the eluted mixture by probenecid diminishes the anion exchanger activity in the reconstituted liposomes. Further purification of the disulfonic stilbene column eluant by Econo-Pac Q ion exchange chromatography resulted in significant enrichment in 162 kD protein abundance and also anion exchange activity in reconstituted liposomes. The results of the above experiments strongly suggest that the 162 kD protein is an anion exchanger. Insight into the functional and molecular characteristics of this protein should provide important information about the mechanism(s) of chloride reabsorption in the kidney proximal tubule.

Animals↗

pH sensitivity of the Na+:HCO3- cotransporter in basolateral membrane vesicles isolated from rabbit kidney cortex.

HCO3- exit across the basolateral membrane of the kidney proximal tubule cell is mediated via an electrogenic Na+:HCO3- cotransporter. We have studied the effect of pH on the activity of this cotransport system in basolateral membrane vesicles isolated from rabbit renal cortex. At constant internal pH 6.0, increasing the external pH and [HCO3-] increased the rate of 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid-sensitive 22Na+ influx into the vesicles. To determine the role of internal pH on the activity of the Na+:HCO3- cotransport system, the influx of 22Na+ via HCO3-dependent Na(+)-Na+ exchange was measured in the absence of an initial pH and [HCO3-] gradient (pH(i) = pH(o), 5% CO2). Increasing the pH from 6.8 to 7.2 increased whereas, increasing the pH from 7.4 to 8.0 decreased the rate of 22Na+ influx via this exchange. Increasing pH at constant [HCO3-] (pH(i) = pH(o) = 8.0, 1.5% CO2 versus pH(i) = pH(o) = 7.2, 10% CO2) reduced the influx of 22Na+ via HCO3-dependent Na(+)-Na+ exchange. Increasing pH at constant [CO3(2-)](pH(i) = pH(o) = 8.0, 1.5% CO2 versus pH(i) = pH(o) = 7.2, 60% CO2) was associated with reduced 22Na+ uptake. Decreasing the pH (pH(i) = pH(o) = 6.3, 60% CO2 versus pH(i) = pH(o) = 7.2, 5% CO2) was associated with a reduced rate of HCO3(-)-dependent Na(+)-Na+ exchange. We conclude that the Na+:HCO3- cotransporter displays a significant pH sensitivity profile with the cotransporter being more functional at pH 7.0-7.4 and less active at more acid or alkaline pH. In addition, the results suggest that the pH sensitivity arises at the inner surface of the basolateral membrane.

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

Effect of in vitro metabolic acidosis on luminal Na+/H+ exchange and basolateral Na+:HCO3- cotransport in rabbit kidney proximal tubules.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the kidney in mediating the signals involved in adaptive changes in luminal Na+/H+ exchange and basolateral Na+:HCO3- cotransport systems in metabolic acidosis. Proximal tubular suspensions were prepared from rabbit kidney cortex and incubated in acidic (A) or control (C) media (pH 6.9 vs 7.4, 5% CO2) for 2 h. Brush border membrane (BBM) and basolateral membrane (BLM) vesicles were isolated from the tubular suspensions and studied for the activity of Na+/H+ exchange and Na+:HCO3- cotransport. Influx of 1 mM 22Na at 10 s (pH6 7.5, pH(i) 6.0) into BBM vesicles was 68% higher in group A compared to group C. The increment in Na+ influx in the group A was amiloride sensitive, suggesting that Na+/H+ exchange was responsible for the observed differences. Kinetic analysis of Na+ influx showed a Km of 8.1 mM in C vs 9.2 in A and Vmax of 31 nmol/mg protein per min in group C vs 57 in A. Influx of 1 mM 22Na at 10 s (pH0 7.5, pH(i) 6.0, 20% CO2, 80% N2) into BLM vesicles was 83% higher in the group A compared to C. The HCO3-dependent increment in 22Na uptake in group A was 4,4'-diisothiocyano-2,2'-stilbene disulfonic acid sensitive, suggesting that Na+:HCO3- cotransport accounted for the observed differences. Kinetic analysis of Na+ influx showed a Km of 11.4 mM in C vs 13.6 in A and Vmax of 35 nmol/mg protein per min in C vs 64 in A. The presence of cyclohexamide during incubation in A medium had no effect on the increments in 22Na uptake in group A. We conclude that the adaptive increase in luminal Na+/H+ exchange and basolateral Na+:HCO3- cotransport systems in metabolic acidosis is acute and mediated via direct signal(s) at the level of renal tubule.

Acidosis↗

Cation specificity and modes of the Na+:CO3(2-):HCO3- cotransporter in renal basolateral membrane vesicles.

The cation specificity and possible exchange modes of the Na+:CO3(2-):HCO3- cotransporter were evaluated by use of basolateral membrane vesicles isolated from rabbit renal cortex. External Li+ inhibited HCO3- gradient-stimulated 22Na uptake, indicating that Li+ interacts with the Na+:CO3(2-):HCO3- cotransporter. No interaction with K+, choline, Rb+, Cs+, or NH4+ could be similarly detected. Imposing an outward Li+ gradient caused quenching of acridine orange fluorescence in the presence but not in the absence of HCO3-, suggesting that Li+:base cotransport takes place via the Na+:CO3(2-):HCO3- cotransporter. Imposing an outward gradient of unlabeled Na+ stimulated the initial rate of 22Na uptake and induced its transient uphill accumulation, indicating Na(+)-Na+ exchange. Na(+)-Na+ exchange was observed in the presence but not in the absence of HCO3- and was inhibited by 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS), suggesting that it occurs via the Na+:CO3(2-):HCO3- cotransporter. Similarly, an outward Li+ gradient stimulated uphill 22Na accumulation, indicating Na(+)-Li+ exchange. Na(+)-Li+ exchange was observed in the presence but not in the absence of HCO3-, and was inhibited by DIDS, suggesting that it also occurs via the Na+:CO3(2-):HCO3- cotransporter. Both Na(+)-Na+ and Li(+)-Na+ exchange modes were sensitive to inhibition by harmaline but not by amiloride. We conclude that Li+ is an alternative substrate for the renal Na+:CO3(2-):HCO3- cotransporter. Transport modes of the system include cation:base cotransport and HCO3-dependent cation-cation exchange.

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

A pH modifier site regulates activity of the Na+:HCO3- cotransporter in basolateral membranes of kidney proximal tubules.

HCO3- exit across the basolateral membrane of the kidney proximal tubule cell is mediated via an electrogenic Na+:HCO3- cotransporter. In these experiments, we have studied the effect of internal pH on the activity of the Na+:HCO3- cotransport system in basolateral membrane vesicles isolated from rabbit renal cortex. Equilibrium thermodynamics predicts that in the presence of constant intravesicular concentration of Na+, an increasing concentration of HCO3- will be associated with an increasing driving force for Na+:HCO3- cotransport across the vesicles. Our experimental approach was to preequilibrate the membrane vesicles with 1 mM 22Na+ at pHi 6.8-8.0 and known concentrations of HCO3-. The vesicles were diluted 1:100 into Na(+)-free solution at pH 7.4 and the net flux of 22Na+ was assayed over 5 s. The results demonstrate that the net flux of Na+ was significantly higher at pHi 7.2 than pHi 8.0 despite much higher [HCO3-] at pHi 8.0. This suggests that an internal pH-sensitive site regulates the activity of the Na+:HCO3- cotransporter. This modifier site inhibits the cotransporter at alkaline pH despite significant base concentration and is maximally functional around physiologic pH. The combination of modifier sites on the luminal Na+/H+ exchanger and the basolateral Na+:HCO3- cotransporter should help maintain intracellular pH in a narrow range with changes in extracellular pH.

Animals↗

Potassium depletion increases luminal Na+/H+ exchange and basolateral Na+:CO3=:HCO3- cotransport in rat renal cortex.

Most HCO3- reabsorption in proximal tubules occurs via electroneutral Na+/H+ exchange in brush border membranes (BBMS) and electrogenic Na+:CO3=:HCO3- cotransport in basolateral membranes (BLMS). Since potassium depletion (KD) increases HCO3- reabsorption in proximal tubules, we evaluated these transport systems using BBM and BLM vesicles, respectively, from control (C) and KD rats. Feeding rats a potassium deficient diet for 3-4 wk resulted in lower plasma [K+] (2.94 mEq/liter, KD vs. 4.47 C), and higher arterial pH (7.51 KD vs. 7.39 C). KD rats gained less weight than C but had higher renal cortical weight. Influx of 1 mM 22Na+ at 5 s (pHo 7.5, pHi 6.0, 10% CO2, 90% N2) into BLM vesicles was 44% higher in the KD group compared to C with no difference in equilibrium uptake. The increment in Na+ influx in the KD group was DIDS sensitive, suggesting that Na+:CO3=:HCO3- cotransport accounted for the observed differences. Kinetic analysis of Na+ influx showed a Km of 8.2 mM in KD vs. 7.6 mM in C and Vmax of 278 nmol/min/mg protein in KD vs. 177 nmol/min/mg protein in C. Influx of 1 mM 22Na+ at 5 s (pHo 7.5, pHi 6.0) into BBM vesicles was 34% higher in the KD group compared to C with no difference in equilibrium uptake. The increment in Na+ influx in the KD group was amiloride sensitive, suggesting that Na+/H+ exchange was responsible for the observed differences. Kinetic analysis of Na+ influx showed a Km of 6.2 mM in KD vs. 7.1 mM in C and Vmax of 209 nmol/min/mg protein in KD vs. 144 nmol/min/mg protein in C. Uptakes of Na(+)-dependent [3H]glucose into BBM and [14C]succinate into BLM vesicles were not different in KD and C groups, suggesting that the Na+/H+ exchanger and Na+:CO3=:HCO3- cotransporter activities were specifically altered in KD. We conclude that adaptive increases in basolateral Na+:CO3=:HCO3- cotransport and luminal Na+H+ exchange are likely responsible for increased HCO3- reabsorption in proximal tubules of KD animals.

Animals↗

Ionic mechanism of Na+-HCO3- cotransport in rabbit renal basolateral membrane vesicles.

The exit of HCO3- across the basolateral membrane of the proximal tubule cell occurs via the electrogenic cotransport of 3 eq of base per Na+. We have used basolateral membrane vesicles isolated from rabbit renal cortex to identify the ionic species transported via this pathway. Media of varying pH and pCO2 were employed to evaluate the independent effects of HCO3- and CO3(2-) on 22Na transport. Na+ uptake was stimulated when [CO3(2-)] was increased at constant [HCO3-], indicating the existence of a transport site for CO3(2-). In the presence of HCO3-, Na+ influx was stimulated more than 3-fold by an inward SO3(2-) gradient. SO3(2-)-stimulated Na+ influx was stilbene-sensitive, confirming that it occurs via the Na+-HCO3- cotransport system. Na+-SO3(2-) cotransport was demonstrated and found to have a 1:1 stoichiometry. Increasing [CO3(2-)] at constant [HCO3-] reduced the stimulation of Na+ influx by SO3(2-), suggesting competition between SO3(2-) and CO3(2-) at a common divalent anion site. Additional divalent anions that were tested, such as SO4(2-), oxalate2-, and HPO4(2-), did not interact at this site. SO3(2-) stimulation of Na+ influx was absolutely HCO3-(-)dependent and was increased as a function of [HCO3-], indicating the presence of a separate HCO3- site. Lastly, we tested whether Na+ interacts via ion pair formation with CO3(2-) or binds to a distinct site. Na+, which has lower affinity than Li+ for ion pair formation with CO3(2-), was found to have greater than 5-fold higher affinity than Li+ for the Na+-HCO3- cotransport system. Moreover, when its inhibition was studied as a function of [Na+], harmaline was found to be a competitive inhibitor of Na+ influx, indicating the existence of a distinct cation site. Our data are compatible with a model in which base transport across the basolateral membrane of the proximal tubule cell takes place via 1:1:1 cotransport of CO3(2-), HCO3-, and Na+ on distinct sites.

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

Effects of acetazolamide on Na+-HCO-3 cotransport in basolateral membrane vesicles isolated from rabbit renal cortex.

We evaluated the effects of acetazolamide on Na+-HCO3- cotransport in basolateral membrane vesicles isolated from the rabbit renal cortex. Na+ uptake stimulated by an imposed inward HCO3- gradient was not significantly reduced by 1.2 mM acetazolamide, indicating that acetazolamide does not directly inhibit Na+-HCO3- cotransport. 4,4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate (DIDS)-sensitive Na+-base cotransport was found to be absolutely CO2/HCO3--dependent. We therefore tested whether acetazolamide-sensitive availability of HCO3- at the basolateral membrane could be rate-limiting for Na+-base cotransport under some conditions. In the presence of a CO2/HCO3- buffer system but absence of an initial HCO3- gradient, Na+ influx was stimulated fivefold by an outward NH4+ gradient. This stimulation of Na+ influx by an outward NH4+ gradient was inhibited greater than 75% by 0.6 mM acetazolamide, suggesting that acetazolamide blocked the ability of the NH4+ gradient to generate an inward HCO3- gradient. In the presence of an inward HCO3- gradient, Na+ influx was inhibited greater than 70% by an inward NH4+ gradient. This inhibition of Na+ influx was reduced to only 35% by 0.6 mM acetazolamide, suggesting that acetazolamide blocked the ability of NH4+ to collapse the inward HCO3- gradient. Similarly, Na+ influx in the presence of an inward HCO3- gradient was inhibited greater than 80% by an outward acetate gradient, and this inhibition was reduced to only 50% by acetazolamide. Thus, acetazolamide caused either inhibition or stimulation of Na+ uptake depending on the conditions with respect to pH and HCO3- gradients. The indirect interaction of acetazolamide with the basolateral membrane Na+-HCO3- cotransport system may be an important mechanism underlying inhibition of proximal tubule acid secretion by this agent.

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

Stoichiometry of Na+-HCO-3 cotransport in basolateral membrane vesicles isolated from rabbit renal cortex.

The major pathway for HCO3- transport across the basolateral membrane of the proximal tubule cell is electrogenic Na+-HCO3- cotransport. In this study, we have determined the stoichiometry of the Na+-HCO3- cotransport system in basolateral membrane vesicles that were isolated from rabbit renal cortex by Percoll gradient centrifugation. When the membrane potential is approximated by the Nernst potential for K+, as in the presence of the K+ ionophore valinomycin, equilibrium thermodynamics predicts that the Na+-HCO3- cotransport system should come to equilibrium and mediate no net flux when (Na)i/(Na)o = [(HCO3)o/(HCO3)i]n[(K)o/(K)i]n-1, where n is the HCO3-:Na+ stoichiometry. Our experimental approach was to impose transmembrane Na+, HCO3-, and K+ gradients of varying magnitude and direction, and then to measure the net flux of Na+ over the subsequent 3-s period. In this way, we could determine the conditions for equilibrium of the transport system and thereby calculate n. The results of these experiments indicate that the value of n is greater than 2.6 and less than 3.5, consistent with a stoichiometry of 3 HCO3-:1 Na+, or a thermodynamically equivalent process. Based on reported intracellular potentials and ion activities, this value for the stoichiometry indicates that the inside-negative membrane potential is sufficient to drive HCO3- exit against the inward concentration gradients of HCO3- and Na+ that are present across the basolateral membrane of the intact proximal tubule cell under physiologic conditions.

Animals↗

Hepatitis-associated antigen in patients with liver diseases and in rural population of Iran. Increased incidence in men.

Using the counter-immunoelectrophoresis technique, the presence of HBsAg was determined in sear of 227 cirrhotics, 132 patients with acute hepatitis, and 254 apparently normal villagers and 220 hospital personnel in Southern Iran. Findings show a very high frequency of antigenemia in cirrhotics as compared to the apparently normal population. Of interest was the male predominance of antigenemia both in cirrhotics (50% vs. 27%) and normals (2.1+ vs. 0.4%) but not in patients with acute hepatitis (42.6% vs. 32.8%). This data suggests the importance of HB antigenemia in the pathogenesis of postnecrotic cirrhosis in Iran, and the importance of male predisposition for the development of the carrier state in either healthy or cirrhotic individuals.

Female↗