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O Frederiksen

Publications and source records attributed to O Frederiksen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Ion transport in epithelial spheroids derived from human airway cells.

In the present study, we describe a novel three-dimensional airway epithelial explant preparation and demonstrate its use for ion transport studies by electrophysiological technique. Suspension cultures of sheets of epithelial cells released by protease treatment from cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF nasal polyps developed free-floating, monolayered epithelial spheres, with the apical, ciliated cell membrane facing the bath and the basolateral cell membrane pointing toward a fluid-filled lumen. Microelectrode impalement of both non-CF and CF spheroids revealed lumen-positive transepithelial electrical potential differences (PDs) that were inhibited by amiloride, indicating that the spheroids were inflated due to amiloride-sensitive Na+ absorption followed by water. Transformation to a Cl- secretory state was achieved by addition of ATP to the bath, leading to the development of a diphenylamine-2-carboxylate-sensitive PD. A cAMP-induced increase in PD was seen in non-CF spheroids only. In response to hydrocortisone treatment, Na+ transport reflected by amiloride-sensitive PD increased and more so in CF than in non-CF spheres. We concluded that this preparation is a useful model for the airway surface epithelium and is suitable for studies of transport mechanisms and regulation.

Absorption↗
PubMed1999

Fluid absorption related to ion transport in human airway epithelial spheroids.

Airway epithelium explants from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and non-CF subjects formed monolayered spheres, with the apical ciliated cell membrane facing the bath and the basolateral cell membrane pointing toward a fluid-filled lumen. With the use of two microelectrodes, transepithelial potential difference and changes in potential difference in response to passage of current pulses were recorded, and epithelial resistance and the equivalent short-circuit current were calculated. Non-CF control potential difference and short-circuit current values were significantly lower than the CF values, and amiloride inhibited both values. Fluid transport rates were calculated from repeated measurements of spheroid diameters. The results showed that 1) non-CF and CF spheroids absorbed fluid at identical rates (4.4 microl x cm(-2) x h(-1)), 2) amiloride inhibited fluid absorption to a lower residual level in non-CF than in CF spheroids, 3) Cl(-)-channel inhibitors increased fluid absorption in amiloride-treated non-CF spheroids to a level equal to that of amiloride-treated CF spheroids, 4) hydrochlorothiazide reduced the amiloride-insensitive fluid absorption in both non-CF and CF spheroids, and 5) osmotic water permeabilities were equal in non-CF and CF spheroids ( approximately 27 x 10(-7) cm x s(-1) x atm(-1)).

Amiloride↗
PubMed1997

Interference of a short-chain phospholipid with ion transport pathways in frog skin.

The effects of mucosal application of the short-chain phospholipid didecanoyl-L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine (DDPC; with two saturated 10-carbon acyl chains) on active Na+ transport and transepithelial conductance (G) in the frog skin (Rana temporaria) were investigated. Active Na+ transport was measured as the amiloride-sensitive short-circuit current (ISC) and G was determined from transepithelial voltage-clamp pulses under short-circuit conditions. DDPC dose-dependently inhibited ISC with an ID50 of about 0.05% (w/v) and a maximal effect ( approximately 55%) at >/= 1% DDPC. G increased to steady-state values above control level. Simultaneously, equal increases in unidirectional sucrose permeabilities (PSu; measured from [14C]sucrose fluxes) were observed, and a positive correlation was demonstrated between DDPC-induced changes in PSu and G. Since amiloride did not prevent the increase in G by DDPC, these results suggest that the DDPC-induced increase in G represents an increase in the paracellular shunt conductance. The effects of mucosal DDPC were almost fully reversible within 8 h. The results indicate that DDPC inhibits amiloride-sensitive Na+ channels in the apical membrane of the frog skin epithelium and opens a paracellular tight junction pathway. Both effects may be caused by incorporation of DDPC in the apical cell membrane.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Comparative aspects of actions of a short-chain phospholipid on epithelial Na+ channels and tight junction conductance.

Ion transport in both the frog skin (a high-resistance epithelium) and the rabbit nasal airway epithelium (a low-resistance epithelium) are dominated by electrogenic Na+ absorption via apical membrane amiloride-sensitive Na+ channels, and short-circuit current (ISC) is essentially a measure of Na+ absorption in both epithelia. In both epithelia, mucosal application of the short-chain phospholipid didecanoyl-L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine (DDPC) dose-dependently inhibited the amiloride-sensitive ISC and caused an initial decrease in epithelial conductance (Gt) followed by an increase in Gt to steady-state values above control level. The effects were reversible. It is concluded that DDPC (a) inhibits epithelial amiloride-sensitive Na+ channels and (b) induces an increase in paracellular tight junction conductance. These effects may involve changes in non-specific lipid-protein interactions at the cell membrane level.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Ion transport mechanisms in native rabbit nasal airway epithelium.

Net ion transports in rabbit nasal airway epithelium (RNAE) were estimated from unidirectional fluxes of 22Na+, 36Cl-, and 86Rb+ (K+ tracer), short-circuit current (Isc), and epithelial conductance (Gt) under short-circuit conditions in excised parallel RNAE from the two sides of the nasal septum mounted in Ussing chambers at 37 degrees C. Net Na+ absorption (JNa; 76 nmol.min-1.cm-2) was nearly equal to the net charge flux (Jnet), equivalent to the control Isc of 137 microA/cm2 (Jnet = Isc/zF = 85 neq.min-1.cm-2). Secretions of Cl- (9 nmol.min-1.cm-2) and K+ (Rb+) (1.2 nmol.min-1.cm-2) were small. Intra-animal variations between right- and left-side Isc values were small compared with large interanimal variations, suggesting long-term regulation of JNa. Serosal ouabain (10(-4) M) abolished Isc. Mucosal amiloride (10(-4) M) maximally inhibited Isc by 68% and JNa by 78%, abolished K+ (Rb+) secretion, increased Cl- secretion slightly (to 16 nmol.min-1.cm-2), and decreased control Gt (13.4 mS/cm2) by 26%. Amiloride-insensitive JNa was inhibited approximately 50% by mucosal hydrochlorothiazide (10(-4) M) but not by mucosal bumetanide, phloridzine, or ethoxzolamide. The Cl- secretion was abolished by serosal bumetanide (10(-4) M) and also by mucosal diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (2.5.10(-4) M) or bumetanide (10(-4) M). Serosal Ba2+ (2 mM) inhibited JNa and increased K+ (Rb+) secretion. The latter was blocked by mucosal Ba2+. Passive Cl- (but not Na+) fluxes varied proportionally with Gt and were approximately four times higher than passive Na+ fluxes, suggesting 1) significant anion selectivity of a low-resistance paracellular pathway and 2) separate routes for paracellular Cl- and Na+ fluxes. We conclude that RNAE is a suitable model organ for studies of regulation of JNa in native human airway epithelia.

Amiloride↗
PubMed1996

Effects of a short-chain phospholipid on ion transport pathways in rabbit nasal airway epithelium.

We investigated the mechanism of interference of mucosal application of the short-chain phospholipid didecanoyl-L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine (DDPC; 0.1-0.5%) with ion transport pathways in isolated rabbit nasal airway epithelium (RNAE). Transports of Na+ and Cl- were evaluated from tracer ion fluxes, short-circuit current (Isc), and epithelial conductance (Gt) under short-circuit conditions in Ussing chambers. DDPC rapidly and reversibly abolished net Na+ absorption, reduced control Isc (approximately 110 microA/cm2) by approximately 80%, and induced a small Cl secretion. Intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) increased dose dependently and transiently (measured by fura 2 in cultured rabbit airway epithelium), but ionomycin failed to mimic the decrease in Isc. The rise in [Ca2+]i may explain a Ba(2+)-sensitive transient activation of a basolateral K+ conductance. Indomethacin-sensitive prostaglandin E2 production in RNAE increased severalfold, but cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibitors did not prevent DDPC-induced changes in Isc. DDPC initially decreased control Gt (approximately 13 mS/cm2) by approximately 25% due to inhibition of amiloride-sensitive Na+ channels, and then reversibly increased Gt to approximately 45% above control values. Passive Na+ fluxes increased more than Cl fluxes, suggesting that the increase in Gt is due to formation of a paracellular shunt conductance in parallel with unaffected, anion-selective tight junction channels. The results suggest that DDPC inhibits apical membrane Na+ channels and causes structural changes in tight junctions after incorporation in apical cell membranes.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Active lithium transport by rat renal proximal tubule: a micropuncture study.

We tested the hypothesis that proximal tubular Li+ reabsorption is due to passive transport. Clearances of [14C]inulin (CIn) and Li+ (CLi), proximal transepithelial electrical potential difference (PD), and tubular fluid-to-plasma Li+ concentration ratios [(TF/P)Li] were measured in anesthetized rats before and after induction of osmotic mannitol diuresis. Late proximal (TF/P)Li was measured after acute intravenous LiCl administration and after addition of LiCl to the diet for 2 days. Glomerular filtration rate (CIn) decreased, whereas CNa and CLi increased during osmotic diuresis. Control early proximal PD was -0.6 mV (lumen negative); late proximal PD (PDLP) was 1.1 mV (lumen positive). PDLP decreased by 1.5 mV to -0.4 mV (lumen negative) after mannitol infusion. Late proximal (TF/P)Li was 1.01 after oral Li+, 1.16 after intravenous Li+ (P < 0.01), and 1.00 during osmotic diuresis. It is concluded that proximal Li+ transfer is distinct from that of Na+, closely parallels proximal water transfer, and involves an active transport mechanism independent of the PD. The data suggest that acute elevation of plasma Li+ concentration may activate a delayed Li+ transport pathway in the proximal convoluted tubule.

Anesthesia↗
PubMed1993

Transport of insulin across rabbit nasal mucosa in vitro induced by didecanoyl-L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine.

To investigate the short-term effects of didecanoyl-L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine on the nasal mucosa and the mechanism by which didecanoyl-L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine enhances the nasal absorption of insulin, an in vitro model was developed. The mucosa from the posterior part of the rabbit nasal septum was mounted in an Ussing chamber and incubated in bicarbonate Ringer solution at 37 degrees C. Potential difference, transmucosal conductance, and unidirectional tracer fluxes were measured across an exposed tissue area of 0.44 cm2. Morphological and physiological examinations revealed a typical respiratory epithelium containing amiloride-sensitive Na+ channels and diphenylamine-2-carboxylate-sensitive Cl- channels. Spontaneous potential difference (10.8 +/- 0.4 mV [n = 50]; serosa positive) and transmucosal conductance (10.5 +/- 0.4 mS/cm2 [n = 50]) were stable for several hours. Mucosal addition of 0.1-0.5% didecanoyl-L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine increased transmucosal conductance (by 43-53%) and decreased potential difference (to 0-2 mV) to new steady-state values within 10-15 min. Control unidirectional rate constants for permeation of sucrose, polyethylene glycol 4000, and insulin were low and varied according to the molecular size. After addition of didecanoyl-L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine, unidirectional rate constants for the three compounds all increased 3- to 5.5-fold. The didecanoyl-L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine effects on potential difference and transmucosal conductance were reversible after a recovery period of at least 40 min when didecanoyl-L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine had been applied to the mucosal side for 15 min. The results suggest that didecanoyl-L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine may increase the transepithelial absorption of insulin by facilitating a paracellular passage through a reversible opening of tight junctions.

Amiloride↗
PubMed1991

Lithium absorption by the rabbit gall-bladder.

Lithium (Li+) absorption across the low-resistance epithelium of the rabbit gall-bladder was studied in order to elucidate possible routes and mechanisms of Li+ transfer. Li+ at a concentration of 0.4 mM in both mucosal and serosal media did not affect isosmotic mucosa-to-serosa fluid absorption. At this low concentration net mucosa-to-serosa Li+ absorption was insignificant when the ambient Na+ concentration was 115 mM, although the gall-bladder had a significant Li+ permeability (2.7 X 10(-5) cm s-1) and a significant mucosa-to-serosa Li+ gradient developed as a result of fluid absorption. Net Li+ absorption was induced at reduced mucosal Na+ concentrations (by lowering the Na+ concentration down to 50 mM with or without substitution with sucrose, or by adding sucrose to the mucosal medium). This Li+ absorption occurred even in the absence of a mucosa-to-serosa Li+ gradient. Na+ and Li+ absorptions occurring at 50 mM Na+ were inhibited to the same degree by mucosal 1 mM amiloride. Substitution of 5-50 mM (44%) Na+ by Li+ in the external medium dose-dependently depressed Na+ absorption by up to 76%, while substitution by 50 mM choline had no significant effect. Li+ inhibition of Na+ absorption was elicited from the mucosal side and was not accounted for by compensatory Li+ absorption; water and Na+ absorption rates decreased nearly in parallel. The effects of 0.4 mM amiloride and of substitution with 20 mM Li+ were only partly additive. It is concluded that Li+ absorption in the rabbit gall-bladder cannot be explained by passive (paracellular) transport, but must be the result of transcellular, active transport. Both at low and at high concentrations Li+ may enter the cell via an Na+/H+ exchanger in the apical cell membrane. At high concentrations Li+ may inhibit Na+ absorption by interference with the exchange mechanism and/or via effects at the cytoplasmic level. The Li+ transfer mechanism across the basolateral cell membrane remains unknown.

Amiloride↗
PubMed1990

Calcium dependence of BAY K 8644 effects on the rabbit gall-bladder.

In the present study, we characterized the effects of the calcium (Ca2+) channel activator BAY K 8644 on sodium (Na+) absorption and transepithelial potential difference (Pd) in the rabbit gall-bladder. In gall-bladders mounted in an Ussing chamber it was observed that serosal BAY K 8644 (10(-5) M) inhibited Na+ absorption in the presence, but not in the absence of serosal Ca2+. Serosal nifedipine (a Ca2+ channel antagonist) at 10(-5) M did not reverse the Na+ transport inhibition caused by BAY K 8644. Another effect of serosal BAY K 8644 (10(-5) M) was to induce oscillations in Pd. These Pd-oscillations had a frequency of about one per minute and an amplitude of 20-40 microV. The appearance of Pd-oscillations was dependent on the presence of Ca2+ in the serosal medium. The oscillations were abolished by 1-3 x 10(-5) M serosal nifedipine and by bilateral application of 3 mM barium (Ba2+) (a K+ channel blocker). In a sac preparation of the rabbit gall-bladder, spontaneous cyclic contractions of smooth muscle cells in the gall-bladder wall were observed as oscillations in the transmural pressure. These spontaneous contractions were not accompanied by oscillations in Pd. Serosal BAY K 8644 (10(-5) M) evoked oscillations in Pd in half of the sac preparations, but in each gall-bladder the frequencies of Pd-oscillations and pressure oscillations were different. Serosal nifedipine (2 x 10(-5) M) abolished both types of oscillation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗
PubMed1989

Effect of BAY K 8644 on cytosolic free calcium in isolated rabbit gall-bladder epithelial cells.

Rabbit gall-bladder epithelial cells were isolated by a combination of Ca2+ omission, enzymatic treatment, and mechanical detachment and had a viability of 96-98% and well preserved morphology. Measurements of cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in these cells with the Ca2+-fluorescent indicator fura-2 demonstrated a resting [Ca2+]i level of 115 +/- 12 nM. When used in concentrations which inhibit rabbit gall-bladder isosmotic NaCl absorption (1-100 microM), the Ca2+-channel activator BAY K 8644 caused a dose-dependent increase in the epithelial [Ca2+]i to a maximal value of 850 nM. The effect was dependent on extracellular Ca2+, and was not altered by 1 microM L-verapamil. Depolarization of the epithelial cells with KCl had no effect on [Ca2+]i. The results suggest that BAY K 8644 activates a Ca2+ influx which is not dependent on voltage-gated channels. Cytosolic Ca2+ may be involved in the regulation of isosmotic NaCl absorption in the mammalian gall-bladder.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗
PubMed1986

BAY K 8644-induced oscillations in rabbit gall-bladder transepithelial potential difference.

The effects of the Ca2+-channel activator BAY K 8644 (a novel dihydropyridine) on transepithelial potential difference (Pd), electrical resistance (Rt), and unidirectional Na+-fluxes were studied in the rabbit gall-bladder. It was observed that BAY K 8644 at concentrations between 10(-7) and 10(-5) M induced regular oscillations in the transepithelial Pd, without affecting the mean value of Pd (or Rt). The mean oscillatory frequency was 18 mHz (approximately 1 cycle per min), and the mean amplitude was 30-35 microV. Oscillations were predominantly elicited from the serosal side. 10(-5) M BAY K 8644 reduced net Na+ -absorption by 16% by inhibiting the mucosa-to-serosa flux. Nifedipine blocked the Pd-oscillations but did not reverse the Na+-transport inhibition. The observed effects of BAY K 8644 are consistent with activation of Ca2+-channels and an increase in intracellular Ca2+-concentration.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗
PubMed1983

Effect of amiloride on sodium and water reabsorption in the rabbit gall-bladder.

The effects of the Na+-channel-blocking diuretic agent amiloride were assessed in the rabbit gall-bladder epithelium, a low-resistance epithelium with an isosmotic, coupled NaCl transport mechanism. Amiloride caused a rapid, reversible, and dose-dependent decrease in fluid absorption when applied from the mucosal side in concentrations between 8.8 X 10(-5) and 1.76 X 10(-3) M. These concentrations were without effect from the serosal side, suggesting an action of amiloride in the luminal cell membrane as in high-resistance epithelia. Amiloride did not affect the epithelial resistance or the passive serosa-to-mucosa Na+ flux, while net Na+ and water reabsorption were inhibited in parallel. Thus, amiloride did not affect the paracellular tight junction pathway, but inhibited a transcellular, coupled salt and water transport mechanism. The kinetics of the amiloride effect were of a Michaelis-Menten type. The dose of amiloride giving 50% inhibition of fluid absorption (ID50) was 4 X 10(-4) M, a value about three orders of magnitude higher than in high-resistance, Na+-retaining epithelia. The percentage inhibitory effect at each concentration of amiloride increased with increasing rate of spontaneous (control) fluid transport, reaching maximal responses fitting a Michaelis-Menten kinetic with an ID50 of 1.5 X 10(-4) M. No effects of changing the extracellular Na+ concentration between 51 and 145 mequiv/l on the maximal inhibitory effect of amiloride on Na+ and water reabsorption were observed. This suggests a non-competitive type of action of amiloride on a Na+-dependent isosmotic fluid transport mechanism. Removal of mucosal Ca2+ did not alter the effect of amiloride. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to concepts concerning the mechanism of isosmotic salt and water transport. The data are compatible with the concept that amiloride interferes with a Na+-dependent formation and transcellular transport of isosmotic fluid volumes in a sequestered compartment in the epithelial cells.

Absorption↗
PubMed1982

Effects of a small serosal hydrostatic pressure on sodium and water transport and morphology in rabbit gall-bladder.

1. In order to investigate the mechanism of serosal pressure-induced inhibition of isosmotic fluid transport, the effect of 4.5 cm water serosal pressure on spontaneous water transfer (J(v)) in rabbit gall-bladders was measured (in the presence of a supporting soft nylon net on the mucosal side) in a modified Ussing chamber. This allowed unidirectional Na(+) fluxes ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]), transepithelial potential difference and resistance (R(t)) to be measured simultaneously. The effects of the serosal pressure were also investigated by light and electron microscopy.2. During pressure application, R(t) increased due to a covering effect of the mucosal support. The serosal pressure caused a parallel decrease in J(v) and net Na(+) transport ([Formula: see text]) across the free epithelial surface of 80-85%. About 85% of the decrease in [Formula: see text] was due to a decrease in [Formula: see text].3. After inhibition of 93% of fluid absorption by serosal 10(-3)M-ouabain, pressure-induced change in J(v) was only 8% of the spontaneous fluid transport rate.4. Control Na(+) flux ratio ([Formula: see text]) was 3.5. The pressure-induced increase in steady-state [Formula: see text] of 30-35% therefore contributed little to the decrease in [Formula: see text]. Further, this increase in [Formula: see text] was completely prevented by mucosal 10(-3) M-amiloride.5. All pressure-induced effects on transport and electrical parameters were reversible.6. The light microscopical and scanning electron microscopical results showed that half of the epithelial surface was covered by the nylon net following serosal pressure application. Ruptures in the epithelium were not seen. Thin section and freeze fracture electron microscopy demonstrated continuous, well developed tight junctions both in control and experimental condition.7. It is concluded that a serosal pressure of only 4.5 cm water causes inhibition of a cellular active Na(+) and water transport with only minimal, if any, contribution from paracellular filtration. This would seem incompatible with the concept that an active ion transport mechanism localized in the basolateral cell membrane is responsible for transepithelial fluid transport. The possibility of a mechanical fluid transport mechanism via elements of a tubulo-cisternal endoplasmic reticulum is raised.

Amiloride↗
PubMed1981

Fluid transport and dimensions of epithelial cells and intercellular spaces in frog gallbladder. Studies in the living state, and during processing for electron microscopy.

Morphologic findings of widely dilated intercellular spaces in fluid transporting epithelia have been claimed as evidence for the existence of an epithelial compartment in which the coupling between solute and water fluxes takes place. The validity of using epithelial geometry in sectioned material as an argument can be questioned. The present report describes the morphological appearance of frog gallbladder epithelium--normal and ouabain-treated--in the living state in vitro and after fixation, dehydration and embedding. Gallbladder segments were photographed in the living state and at the end of each step of the preparative procedure. Direct observations of whole-mounted gallbladder segments were carried out, taking advantage of the possibility of optical sectioning and high resolution by Nomarski-microscopy. The same specimens were then sectioned and examined by conventional light and electron microscopy. The observations were quantitated and showed that the epithelial cells of normal and ouabain-treated gallbladders experienced an average linear shrinkage down to 70% of their length in Ringer's solution, which corresponds to a volume shrinkage down to 35%. Moreover, dilated lateral intercellular spaces appeared during the dehydration and embedding procedure in normal but only very moderately or not at all in ouabain-treated gallbladder specimens.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Lack of correlation between transepithelial transport capacity and paracellular pathway ultrastructure in Alcian blue-treated rabbit gallbladders.

The effects of mucosal application of 1 mg% Alcian blue (a trivalent cationic phthalocyanine dye) on functional and ultrastructural parameters of the isolated rabbit gallbladder have been studied. Apart from minor changes in the shape of the group of central microvilli observed in thin-section electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, the major ultrastructural change induced by Alcian blue was an almost complete collapse of intercellular spaces in the region above the tight junctions up to the bases of the marginal microvilli as revealed by thin-section electron microscopy. Freeze-fracture electron microscopy demonstrated a complete disappearance of intramembrane particles of neighboring cell membranes corresponding to the region of interspace collapse. Transepithelial electrical resistance (RT) increased from 44.5 to 58.7 ohm . cm2 upon treatment with Alcian blue. This increase could be well accounted for by the observed structural changes in the paracellular pathway if this pathway determines the low resistance of the rabbit gallbladder epithelium. Despite the increase in RT, net mucosa-to-serosa fluid transport and the spontaneous mucosa-positive potential difference of 3 mV were unaltered by Alcian blue treatment, supporting the hypothesis that the transepithelial transport mechanism per se is electroneutral. A calculation of the maximal paracellular mucosa-to-serosa waterflow in response to a lateral intercellular space hypertonicity of 20 mosM demonstrates that in the Alcian blue-treated gallbladder the resulting figure is about three orders of magnitude too low to keep up with the unaltered spontaneous transepithelial net fluid transport. It is therefore concluded that the tight junction pathway in rabbit gallbladders does not serve as a route for net fluid transport.

Alcian Blue↗
PubMed1978

Functional distinction between two transport mechanisms in rabbit gall-bladder epithelium by use of ouabain, ethacrynic acid and metabolic inhibitors.

1. Net fluid transport rate, transepithelial p.d. and resistance, and unidirectional Na+-fluxes were measured in rabbit gall-bladder preparations exposed on both sides to bicarbonate-Ringer solution in vitro. 2. Both ouabain and ethacrynic acid (ETCA) caused dose-dependent decreases of net fluid transport rate; ouabain inhibited fluid transport predominantly from the serosal side, whereas the inhibitory effect of ETCA was elicited mainly from the mucosal (luminal) side. Applied bilaterally, the ID50 for ouabain was 2.5 X 10(-6) M, and for ETCA 2.3 X 10(-4) M. After maximal inhibition at each concentration level of the two inhibitors fluid transport could not be reversed. 3. 2,4-Dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) (2 X 10(-4) M) or substitution of O2 by N2 caused an 80% reversible decrease of net fluid transport. 4. The spontaneous p.d. across the rabbit gall-bladder was about 2.7 mV, mucosal side positive. 2,4-DNP, N2 and serosal application of ouabain depressed the p.d. after an initial hyperpolarization. This decrease was reversible during recovery from 2,4-DNP and N2, but irreversible after removal of ouabain at concentrations greater than or equal to 10(-4) M. Mucosal application of ETCA (10(-3) M) caused no decrease in p.d., which actually increased slightly. 5. Calculated passive serosal-to-mucosal Na+-fluxes changed in the same direction as did changes in conductance. 6. It is concluded that ETCA does not interfere primarily with the Na-K-ATPase or cellular oxidative metabolism. The data support the proposal that the pump responsible for isosmotic transepithelial fluid transfer is located in the luminal end of the cells. This pump is ETCA-sensitive. The ATPase-dependent Na-K pump, which can be inhibited by ouabain, is localized in the serosa-facing cell membrane. The data suggest that the inhibition of net fluid transport by ouabain is indirect and mediated by changes in intracellular ion concentrations. 7. The results support the concept that the transepithelial fluid transport mechanism is electroneutral, and suggest that the mucosa positive transepithelial p.d. is due to differences in electromotive forces arising from ion (mainly K+) diffusion across the mucosal and serosal cell membranes.

Animals↗