Comparison of the osmolyte transport properties induced by trAE1 versus IClswell in Xenopus oocytes.

During cell swelling, cells release organic osmolytes via a volume-activated channel as part of the regulatory volume decrease. The erythrocyte membrane protein AE1 (band 3), has been shown to be involved in regulatory volume responses of fish erythrocytes. Previous studies showed that the expression of trout AE1 in Xenopus laevis oocytes induces band 3 anion exchange activity and organic osmolyte channel activity. However, an endogenous swelling-activated anion channel, IClswell, is present in Xenopus oocyte membranes. Therefore, it is not yet known whether a new organic osmolyte channel is formed or whether the endogenous channel, IClswell, is activated when trout AE1 is expressed in the oocytes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the expression of trout AE1 in Xenopus oocytes leads to the formation and membrane insertion of a new organic osmolyte channel or activates IClswell. To differentiate between the two possibilities, we compared the time courses, pH profiles and inhibitor sensitivities of both trout AE1 and IClswell. The results of taurine-uptake experiments show that the time courses and pH levels for optimum expression of trout AE1 and IClswell differ significantly. The inhibitor sensitivities of the organic osmolyte channel mediated by trout AE1 and IClswell are also significantly different, strongly suggesting that the expression of trout AE1 in Xenopus oocytes does not activate IClswell, but rather forms a new organic osmolyte channel.