cAMP activation of chloride and fluid secretion across the rabbit alveolar epithelium.

Active Na+ transport by alveolar epithelial cells has been demonstrated to contribute significantly to alveolar fluid clearance. However, the contribution of transepithelial Cl- movement to the reabsorption of isosmotic fluid across the alveolar epithelium in vivo has not been elucidated. We hypothesized that Cl- transport could be increased across the alveolar epithelium in vivo and across cultured alveolar type II cells by agents that increase intracellular cAMP (e.g., forskolin). In studies where 5% albumin in sodium methanesulfonate (a Cl--free solution) was administered into the lung, forskolin administration significantly increased intracellular influx of Cl- and fluid into the alveolar space. In vitro studies with cultured rabbit alveolar type II cell monolayers in Ussing chambers demonstrated that elevations in intracellular cAMP increase short-circuit current by increasing both Cl- secretion and Na+ reabsorption. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator channel blocker glibenclamide and the loop diuretic bumetanide partially decreased the forskolin-induced increase in short-circuit current. These data may explain the failure of agonist that stimulated intracellular cAMP to increase alveolar fluid clearance in the rabbit. Moreover, the data suggest that in the event Na+ absorptive pathways are damaged, transepithelial Cl- secretion and the consequent intra-alveolar fluid influx may be upregulated.

Hydrogen peroxide inhibits cAMP-induced Cl- secretion across colonic epithelial cells.

We examined the effects of H2O2 on Cl- secretion across human colonic T84 cells grown on permeable supports and mounted in modified Ussing chambers. Forskolin-induced short-circuit current, a measure of Cl- secretion, was inhibited in a concentration-dependent fashion when monolayers were pretreated with H2O2 for 30 min (30-100% inhibition between 500 microM and 5 mM). Moreover, H2O2 inhibited 76% of the Cl- current across monolayers when the basolateral membranes were permeabilized with nystatin (200 micrograms/ml). When the apical membrane was permeabilized with amphotericin B, H2O2 inhibited the Na+ current (a measure of Na+-K+-ATPase activity) by 68% but increased the K+ current more than threefold. In addition to its effects on ion transport pathways, H2O2 also decreased intracellular ATP levels by 43%. We conclude that the principal effect of H2O2 on colonic Cl- secretion is inhibitory. This may be due to a decrease in ATP levels following H2O2 treatment, which subsequently results in an inhibition of the apical membrane Cl- conductance and basolateral membrane Na+-K+-ATPase activity. Alternatively, H2O2 may alter Cl- secretion by direct action on the transporters or alterations in signal transduction pathways.

Alpha-adrenergic receptors regulate human lymphocyte amiloride-sensitive sodium channels.

Two independent signal transduction pathways regulate lymphocyte amiloride-sensitive sodium channels (ASSCs), one utilizing cAMP as a second messenger and the other utilizing a GTP-binding protein. This implies that two plasma membrane receptors play a role in the regulation of lymphocyte ASSCs. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that alpha1- and alpha2-adrenergic receptors independently regulate lymphocyte ASSCs via the two previously identified second messengers. Direct measurements indicated that norepinephrine increased lymphocyte cAMP and activated ASSCs. The alpha2-specific inhibitor, yohimbine, blocked this activation, thereby linking alpha2-adrenergic receptors to ASSC regulation via cAMP. The alpha1-specific ligand, terazosin, acted as an agonist and activated lymphocyte ASSCs but inhibited ASSC current that had been preactivated by norepinephrine or 8-(4-chlorophenylthio) (CPT)-cAMP. Terazosin had no effect on the lymphocyte whole cell ASSC currents preactivated by treatment with pertussis toxin. This finding indirectly links alpha1-adrenergic receptors to lymphocyte ASSC regulation via GTP-binding proteins. Terazosin had no direct inhibitory or stimulatory effects on alpha,beta,gamma-endothelial sodium channels reconstituted into planar lipid bilayers and expressed in Xenopus oocytes, ruling out a direct interaction between terazosin and the channels. These findings support the hypothesis that both alpha1- and alpha2-adrenergic receptors independently regulate lymphocyte ASSCs via GTP-binding proteins and cAMP, respectively.

Peroxynitrite inhibits amiloride-sensitive Na+ currents in Xenopus oocytes expressing alpha beta gamma-rENaC.

We examined the effect of peroxynitrite (ONOO-) on the cloned rat epithelial Na+ channel (alpha beta gamma-rENaC) expressed in Xenopus oocytes. 3-Morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1) was used to concurrently generate nitric oxide (.NO) and superoxide (O2-.), which react to form ONOO-, a species known to promote protein nitration and oxidation. Under control conditions, oocytes displayed an amiloride-sensitive whole cell conductance of 7.4 +/- 2.8 (SE) microS. When incubated at 18 degrees C with SIN-1 (1 mM) for 2 h (final ONOO- concentration = 10 microM), the amiloride-sensitive conductance was reduced to 0.8 +/- 0.5 microS. To evaluate whether the observed inhibition was due to ONOO-, as opposed to .NO, we also exposed oocytes to SIN-1 in the presence of urate (500 microM), a scavenger of ONOO- and superoxide dismutase, which scavenges O2-., converting SIN-1 from an ONOO- to an .NO donor. Under these conditions, conductance values remained at control levels following SIN-1 treatment. Tetranitromethane, an agent that oxidizes sulfhydryl groups at pH 6, also inhibited the amiloride-sensitive conductance. These data suggest that oxidation of critical sulfhydryl groups within rENaC by ONOO- directly inhibits channel activity.

Nitric oxide inhibits Na+ absorption across cultured alveolar type II monolayers.

We examined the mechanisms by which nitric oxide (.NO) decreased vectorial Na+ transport across confluent monolayers of rat alveolar type II (ATII) cells grown on permeable supports. Amiloride (10 microM) applied to the apical side of monolayers inhibited approximately 90% of the equivalent (Ieq) and the short-circuit (Isc) current, with an half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.85 microM, indicating that Na+ entry into ATII cells occurred through amiloride-sensitive Na+ channels. .NO generated by spermine NONOate and papa NONOate added to both sides of the monolayers decreased Ieq and increased transepithelial resistance in a concentration-dependent fashion (IC50 = 0.4 microM .NO). These changes were prevented or reversed by addition of oxyhemoglobin (50 microM). Incubation of ATII monolayers with 8-bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (400 microM) had no effect on transepithelial Na+ transport. When the basolateral membranes of ATII cells were permeabilized with amphotericin B (10 microM) in the presence of a mucosal-to-serosal Na+ gradient (145:25 mM), .NO (generated by 100 microM papa NONOate) inhibited approximately 60% of the amiloride-sensitive Isc. In addition, after permeabilization of the apical membranes, .NO inhibited the Isc [a measure of Na(+)-K(+)-adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) activity] by approximately 60%. We concluded that .NO at noncytotoxic concentrations decreased Na+ absorption across cultured ATII monolayers by inhibiting both the amiloride-sensitive Na+ channels and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase through guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-independent mechanisms.

Functional expression of a truncated Ca(2+)-activated Cl- channel and activation by phorbol ester.

We have isolated a niflumic acid-insensitive, Ca(2+)-activated Cl- channel (CaCC) from bovine trachea that migrates at 38 kDa (p38) on reducing sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. However, a cloned CaCC isolated from a tracheal cDNA expression library by screening with an antibody raised against p38 has a primary cDNA transcript of 2712 base pairs that codes for a 100-kDa protein and is not susceptible to dithiothreitol reduction. To test the hypothesis that the functional channel may be a much smaller posttranslationally processed form of the 100-kDa protein, we generated a mutant construct (CaCCX, 42.5-kDa protein) truncated at the NH2 and COOH termini. The whole cell currents of wild-type (wt) CaCC and CaCCX expressed in Xenopus oocytes were 10-fold higher than those of water-injected oocytes and were further increased by ionomycin or A-23187 and inhibited by 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid and dithiothreitol. Whole cell currents in wtCaCC- and CaCCX-expressing oocytes could also be activated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and could be inhibited by chelerythrine chloride, suggesting that the cloned CaCC is regulated by protein kinase C. These results suggest that a smaller form of the full-length CaCC can form a functional channel.

Epitope tagging permits cell surface detection of functional CFTR.

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a phosphorylation-activated Cl channel responsible for adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-induced Cl secretion across the apical membranes of epithelial cells. To optimize its detection for membrane localization studies, we tagged CFTR with epitope sequences at the carboxy terminus or in the fourth external loop. When epitopes were added to the fourth external loop, the N-linked glycosylation sites in that loop were either preserved or they were mutated to produce a deglycosylated CFTR (dgCFTR). Tagged CFTRs were expressed in HeLa cells, and their cAMP-sensitive Cl permeability was assayed using the halide-sensitive fluorophore SPQ. CFTRs containing the M2 epitope showed halide permeability responses to cAMP, whereas cells expressing CFTR with the hemagglutinin (HA) tag showed little or no cAMP response. Xenopus oocytes expressing dgCFTR, with or without the M2 epitope, showed Cl conductance responses that were 20% of the wild-type response, whereas M2-tagged constructs retaining the glycosylation sites responded like wild-type CFTR. External M2-tagged CFTR was detected in the surface membrane of nonpermeabilized cells. The surface expression of the mutant M2-tagged CFTRs correlated with processing of these mutants (Gregory et al. Mol. Cell. Biol. 11:3886-3893, 1991). M2-901/CFTR is a useful reporter for the trafficking of wild-type and mutant CFTRs to the cell surface.

Correction of lethal intestinal defect in a mouse model of cystic fibrosis by human CFTR.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). A potential animal model of CF, the CFTR-/- mouse, has had limited utility because most mice die from intestinal obstruction during the first month of life. Human CFTR (hCFTR) was expressed in CFTR-/- mice under the control of the rat intestinal fatty acid-binding protein gene promoter. The mice survived and showed functional correction of ileal goblet cell and crypt cell hyperplasia and cyclic adenosine monophosphate-stimulated chloride secretion. These results support the concept that transfer of the hCFTR gene may be a useful strategy for correcting physiologic defects in patients with CF.

cGMP and Ca2+ regulation of ion transport across the isolated porcine distal colon epithelium.

Intact epithelium from the porcine distal colon was stripped of serosal muscle and mounted in Ussing chambers to investigate the regulation of Na, Cl, and K transport by guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) and elevations in intracellular [Ca2+]. Under voltage-clamped conditions cGMP (250 microM) produced an increase in tissue short-circuit current (Isc) that reached a maximal value within 10-20 min and remained elevated > 40 min. This response was associated with an inhibition of NaCl absorption and stimulation of Cl and K secretion. In the absence of Cl the Isc also slowly increased but returned to baseline values within 20 min. Bicarbonate removal from both serosal and mucosal solutions or serosal bumetanide (20 microM) reduced the effect of cGMP on Isc by approximately 40%. When performed simultaneously, these conditions reduced the cGMP response by approximately 60%. Transepithelial Na and Cl flux measurements indicated that serosal bumetanide blocked increased Cl secretion without effecting changes in NaCl absorption. In contrast, mucosal amiloride blocked the effects of cGMP on NaCl absorption but not Cl secretion. The cGMP Isc response was potentiated in the presence of 1 mM, but not 10 microM, amiloride. Moreover, 1 mM amiloride inhibited Isc under control conditions but was ineffective in the presence of cGMP. The Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin (3 microM) produced a transient increase in the Isc that was also associated with a decrease in transepithelial NaCl absorption and an increase in Cl and K secretion. In contrast to cGMP, the ionomycin Isc response was eliminated after Cl removal from the bath.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Regulation of K secretion across the porcine gallbladder epithelium.

Porcine gallbladder epithelium from the neck and the fundus of the organ was stripped of serosal muscle and mounted in Ussing chambers to investigate the mechanisms of K secretion. The sensitivity to K channel blockers and regulation by norepinephrine (NE), adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), and increases in intracellular Ca concentration ([Ca]) were studied. The porcine gallbladder secretes K (approximately 0.8 mu eq/cm2.h) under basal conditions. Mucosal tetraethylammonium (TEA) produced a concentration-dependent increase in short-circuit current (Isc) and inhibited the unidirectional serosal-to-mucosal 86Rb flux JsmRb, resulting in a > 60% reduction in net Rb secretion. In contrast, serosal Ba produced a concentration-dependent decrease in Isc and stimulated JsmRb, resulting in a > 200% increase in net Rb secretion. NE inhibited JsmRb and net Rb secretion in both regions. In the fundic region the mucosal-to-serosal Rb flux (JmsRb) was also significantly increased, suggesting that active K absorption was activated. Exogenous cAMP increased JsmRb and net Rb secretion by > 85% in both regions. This increase in net Rb secretion was blocked by mucosal TEA but unaffected by NE. The Ca ionophore ionomycin also increased JsmRb and net Rb secretion and reduced the Isc by approximately 50%. Neither mucosal TEA nor Ba blocked changes in steady-state Rb secretion induced by ionomycin. Although both serosal Ba and ionomycin produced significant reductions in Isc, the effects of Ba were blocked by ionomycin pretreatment. These findings indicate that basal K secretion occurs through TEA-sensitive apical K channels and is regulated by intracellular cAMP. NE likely reduces K secretion by decreasing intracellular concentration of cAMP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Regional adrenergic regulation of ion transport across the isolated porcine gallbladder.

The regional transport properties of the porcine gallbladder epithelium were studied using Ussing chambers in which tissues were bathed in porcine Ringer solution. Under basal conditions, tissues from the neck absorbed Na and Cl. Fundic tissues also absorbed Na, but net Cl transport was not different from zero. Serosal norepinephrine (NE; 0.1 microM) stimulated Na and Cl absorption in the neck but only Cl absorption in the fundus. The effects of NE on Na and Cl transport were blocked by pretreatment with yohimbine, suggesting that alpha 2-adrenoceptors mediate the transport-related actions of this neurotransmitter. Serosal isoproterenol (0.1 microM) produced a tetrodotoxin-insensitive, propranolol-sensitive increase in the short-circuit current (Isc) in fundic tissues but not in tissues from the neck. The beta 2-adrenergic agonist salbutamol produced a response similar to that of isoproterenol. However, the beta 1-adrenergic agonist dobutamine had no effect. Isoproterenol was 5.8-fold more potent than salbutamol in increasing the Isc. A possible explanation for the regional effects of beta-agonists is that beta-adrenoceptors are localized to epithelial cells in the fundic region. These results and results obtained previously suggest regional differences in basal Na and Cl transport across the porcine gallbladder epithelium and that both alpha 2- and beta 2-adrenoceptors act to regulate ion transport in this tissue.

Determination of brodifacoum and bromadiolone residues in rodent and canine liver.

A method to determine residue concentrations of anti-coagulant rodenticides, brodifacoum (BF) and bromadiolone (BD) in liver was developed, using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Nine dogs were given 1.1 mg of BF/kg of body weight, PO, in polyethylene glycol 400, one time. Rats were fed BF or BD (via commercial baits) in amounts from 0.28 to 11.25 mg/kg over 1- to 4-day periods. Fresh liver samples were collected at necropsy from all rats and 3 dogs, ground with Na2SO4, and extracted with CHCl3:MeOH (9:1). After evaporation and silica cartridge purification were performed, residues were oxidized with a 0.16M chromic acid solution, and an oxidation product (4-bromobenzoic acid) was partitioned into CHCl3. The methylated derivative (port derivatization with trimethylanilinium hydroxide) was assayed, using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Bromadiolone was detected in livers from rats given greater than 6 mg of BD/kg of body weight, but not in livers of rats given 1.25 mg of BD/kg. In contrast, BF was detected (with one exception) in livers from dogs (given 1.1 mg of BF/kg) and from rats given high (11.25 mg of BF/kg) and low (0.28 mg of BF/kg) doses. This protocol, which does not differentiate between BF and BD because of the formation of a common product after chromic acid oxidation, was used to diagnose anticoagulant toxicosis in 3 dogs, 1 human being and 1 llama naturally poisoned.

Case studies on second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide toxicities in nontarget species.

Specimens from 10 cases of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning in dogs and cats were submitted to the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory during 1986 and 1987. The clinical signs most frequently observed were lethargy, dyspnea, and ventral hematomas; common necropsy findings included hemoperitoneum, hemothorax, and pulmonary hemorrhage. In the instances when histopathological examination of the tissue was done, it supported a diagnosis of coagulopathy. The presence of anticoagulants in serum or liver was confirmed by high pressure liquid chromatography, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, or a combination of the two. Five cases of brodifacoum poisoning, 2 of bromadiolone, and 3 of diphacinone toxicity were verified. Concentrations of these rodenticides ranged from approximately 0.001 to 12 ppm.

Methenamine as an induced artifact during extraction of formaldehyde-preserved tissue.

The effect of different basic drug assay procedures on the formation of artifactual methenamine from formaldehyde preserved and nonpreserved tissue was studied. Trichloroacetic acid was compared with ammonium sulfate as a protein precipitant and sodium hydroxide was compared with ammonium hydroxide as a pH modifier. The assay of nonpreserved tissue failed to result in the detection of methenamine. However, when preserved tissue was assayed by procedures which utilized ammonium compounds, large quantities of methenamine were detected using TLC and GC/MS. Trace quantities of methenamine were detected in extracts of preserved autolyzed tissue which was assayed using nonammonium compounds.