Circadian rhythm of apical Na-channels and Na-transport in rabbit distal colon.

In vivo and in vitro studies showed that electrogenic sodium transport in rabbit distal colon is modulated by aldosterone. It varies in a circadian rhythm; the external synchronizer is the light-dark cycle. The site of regulation was found to be in the apical membrane of colonic epithelial cells, in which the number of conducting sodium-channels is increased by aldosterone.

Effects of adrenal steroids on Na transport in the lower intestine (coprodeum) of the hen.

The influence of adrenal steroids on sodium transport in hen coprodeum was investigated by electrophysiological methods. Laying hens were maintained on low-NaCl diet (LS), or on high-NaCl diet (HS). HS hens were pretreated with aldosterone (128 micrograms/kg) or dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) before experiment. A group of LS hens received spironolactone (70 or 160 mg/kg, for three days). The effects of these dietary and hormonal manipulations on the amiloride-sensitive part of the short-circuit current were examined. This part is in excellent agreement with the net Na flux, and therefore a direct electrical measurement for Na transport. After depolarizing the basolateral membrane potential with a high K concentration, the apical Na permeability and the intracellular Na activity were investigated by current-voltage relations for the different experimental conditions. Plasma aldosterone concentrations (PA) were low in HS hens, dexamethasone-treated HS hens and spironolactone-treated LS hens (less than 70 pM). In contrast LS hens and aldosterone-treated HS hens had a PA concentration of 596 +/- 70 and 583 +/- 172 pM, respectively. LS diet (chronic stimulation) had the largest stimulatory effect on Na transport and apical Na permeability. Hormone-treated animals had three- to fourfold lower values. Spironolactone supply in LS hens decreased Na transport and apical Na permeability about 50%. The results provide evidence that both mineralo- and gluco-corticoids stimulate Na transport in this tissue by increasing the apical Na permeability. Quantitative differences between acute and chronic stimulation reveal a secondary slower adaptation in apical membrane properties.

Indacrinone (MK-196)--a specific inhibitor of the voltage-dependent Cl- permeability in toad skin.

The effect of indacrinone (MK-196) on Cl- transport through toad (Bufo bufo) skin epithelium was studied by the voltage clamping technique. At the transepithelial potential, V = 50 mV (serosal bath grounded) the unidirectional fluxes, governed by a Cl- self-exchange diffusion pathway, were not affected by 1 mM racemic MK-196 in the outer bath. Likewise at V = o mV, the unidirectional fluxes as well as the active (net) inward flux of Cl- were unaffected by MK-196. Voltage clamping the epithelium in the physiological range of potentials activated a Cl- specific passive conductance that saturated for V less than or equal to -90 mV. The influx and efflux of Cl- through this pathway were inhibited by MK-196, and the (passive) Cl- current was inhibited in a dose-dependent way for [MK-196] greater than or equal to 50 microM with about 70% inhibition for [MK-196] = 1 mM. The maximum Cl- conductance was decreased without shifting the position along the V-axis of the inverted S-shaped conductance-voltage relationship. The time constants for the voltage-stimulated Cl- conductance activation were not affected by MK-196 (50 microM less than or equals [MK-196] less than or equals 1 mM). The (+) and (-) isomers and racemic MK-196 affected the voltage-dependent Cl- conductance in similar ways. It is concluded that MK-196 has the properties of a Cl- channel blocker which is specific for the voltage-dependent Cl- permeability of the epithelium. The time course for development of inhibition exhibited a fast (min) and a slow (h) component.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)