Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Paulmichl

Publications and source records attributed to M Paulmichl.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Follicle-stimulating hormone activates a cAMP-dependent chloride conductance in TM4 Sertoli cells.

The effect of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on the electrical properties of TM4-Sertoli cells was investigated. Addition of 5 IU/ml FSH caused a dose-dependent and reversible depolarization of the resting membrane potential by +15.3 +/- 1.0 mV accompanied by a decrease of the input resistance. The depolarization was completely abolished in chloride-free solutions. The reversal potential of the effect was close to the calculated reversal potential for chloride. We conclude that FSH activates a chloride conductance in cultured TM4 Sertoli cells.

Animals↗

Chromosomal localization of the genes (CLNS1A and CLNS1B) coding for the swelling-dependent chloride channel ICln.

ICln is a cloned chloride channel paramount for regulatory volume decrease. Two different loci that carry the coding region for ICln were identified in the human genome. By PCR strategies an intronless copy of the gene was located on chromosome 6 at position 6p12.1-6q13 (CLNS1B). By fluorescence in situ hybridization a copy carrying introns with a putative length of 19 kb was located at chromosome 11 on position 11q13.5-q14.1 (CLNS1A). The characterization and chromosomal localization of the ICln gene offer the opportunity to study the regulatory sites of this gene in greater detail and could be helpful in establishing linkages between ICln and potential human diseases.

Chloride Channels↗

Inhibition of minK protein induced K+ channels in Xenopus oocytes by estrogens.

Previously it was shown that minK protein expression in uterus is regulated by estrogen. In the present study, we were interested in putative direct effects of estrogen on minK protein induced K+ currents (IminK) in Xenopus oocytes. Superfusion with 17-beta-estradiol (1 microM) resulted in an inhibition of minK-induced currents, but had no appreciable effects on the delayed rectifier and inward rectifier K+ channels Kv1.1 and Kir2.1, respectively. The inhibition of IminK by 17-beta-estradiol was concentration-dependent, with an IC50 of approximately 0.5 microM. In the presence of 17-beta-estradiol, the conductance-voltage relationship was shifted to more depolarized potentials. IminK inhibition occurred also in the presence of the estrogen-receptor antagonist tamoxifen, suggesting that a mechanism independent of estrogen receptors is involved. The synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) also inhibited IminK but with a lower affinity (IC50 of 4.5 microM), while cortisol and progesterone had only weak effects on IminK. In summary, the results indicate that estrogens directly inhibit IminK.

Animals↗

Fluorescence-optical measurements of chloride movements in cells using the membrane-permeable dye diH-MEQ.

Fluorescence-optical measurements of the intracellular chloride concentration facilitate identification of chloride movements across the cell membrane of living cells. The two main dyes used for this purpose are 6-methoxy-N-(3-sulfopropyl)quinolinium (SPQ) and 6-methoxy-quinolyl acetoethyl ester (MQAE). The use of both substances is impaired by their poor membrane permeability and therefore limited loading of the cells to be studied. Here we report the use of 6-methoxy-N-ethylquinolinium iodide (MEQ), a chloride-sensitive dye for which a membrane-permeable form is easily prepared. This makes the loading procedure as easy as with the acetoxymethyl (AM) forms of other dyes for sensing intracellular ions. In addition, the original method, which described absolute concentration measurements of chloride in the cytosol, was modified in so far as only relative measurements were made. This avoids the known limitations of single wavelength excitation and emission dyes with respect to exact concentration measurements. Moreover, to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio the driving force for chloride was considerably increased by changing the original direction of the anion flux in the cells under investigation. We verified the method by using fibroblasts and activating ICln, a putative chloride channel cloned from epithelial cells and of paramount importance in the regulatory volume decrease in these cells. In the presence of SCN- the MEQ quench measured in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts is dramatically enhanced in hypotonically challenged cells compared with cells under isotonic conditions. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides sensing ICln considerably impeded the swelling-induced chloride current (ICl) in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. Accordingly, the chloride movement measured by the SCN- quench of the MEQ signal was significantly reduced. Similar results can be obtained in the presence of 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid (NPPB) or 4, 4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS), two known blockers of chloride transport in the plasma membrane of a variety of cells. In conclusion, fluroscence-optical measurements using MEQ as the chloride-sensitive dye provide a reliable and easy-to-use method for measuring changes of the chloride flux across the cell membrane of living cells.

3T3 Cells↗

Blockade of swelling-induced chloride channels by phenol derivatives.

1. In NIH3T3 fibroblasts, the chloride channel involved in regulatory volume decrease (RVD) was identified as ICln, a protein isolated from a cDNA library derived from Madin Darby canine Kidney (MDCK) cells. ICln expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes gives rise to an outwardly rectifying chloride current, sensitive to the extracellular addition of nucleotides and the known chloride channel blockers, DIDS (4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid) and NPPB (5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoic acid). We set out to study whether substances structurally similar to NPPB are able to interfere with RVD. 2. RVD in NIH3T3 fibroblasts and MDCK cells is temperature-dependent. 3. RVD, the swelling-dependent chloride current and the depolarization seen after reducing extracellular osmolarity can be blocked by gossypol and NDGA (nordihydroguaiaretic acid), both structurally related to NPPB. 4. The cyclic AMP-dependent chloride current elicited in CaCo cells is less sensitive to the two substances tested while the calcium-activated chloride current in fibroblasts is insensitive. 5. The binding site for the two phenol derivatives onto ICln seems to be distinct but closely related to the nucleotide binding site identified as G x G x G, a glycine repeat located at the predicted outer mouth of the ICln channel protein.

3T3 Cells↗

ICln: a chloride channel paramount for cell volume regulation.

Cell volume regulation is a ubiquitous cell regulatory mechanism based on meticulously controlled ion transport mechanisms. Keeping the absolute volume constant seems to be of the highest priority for most cells and is achieved at the expense of altered intracellular ion concentrations. We have been able to demonstrate that ICln, a chloride channel cloned from epithelial cells, is paramount for the ability of swollen cells to regulate their volume back to that under resting conditions. A unique feature of ICln is the distinct sensitivity of these channels for nucleotides and nucleoside analogues added to the extracellular fluid. In addition, cromolyn sodium and nedocromil sodium, drugs used by patients with asthma, are able to impede the function of these channels.

Animals↗

Antisense oligonucleotides suppress cell-volume-induced activation of chloride channels.

Cell volume regulation is an essential feature of most cells. After swelling in hypotonic media, the simultaneous activation of potassium and chloride channels is believed to be the initial, time-determining step in cell volume regulation. The activation of both pathways is functionally linked and enables the cells to lose ions and water, subsequently leading to cell shrinkage and readjustment of the initial volume. NIH 3T3 fibroblasts efficiently regulate their volume after swelling and bear chloride channels that are activated by decreasing extracellular osmolarity. The chloride current elicited in these cells after swelling is reminiscent of the current found in oocytes expressing an outwardly rectifying chloride current termed ICln. Introduction of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides complementary to the first 30 nucleotides of the coding region of the ICln channel into NIH 3T3 fibroblasts suppresses the activation of the swelling-induced chloride current. The experiments directly demonstrate an unambiguous link between a volume-activated chloride current and a cloned protein involved in chloride transport.

Animals↗

Properties and regulation of ion channels in MDCK cells.

The MDCK cell has proven to be a useful model cell line for the study of properties and regulation of renal epithelial ion channels. Patch clamp studies disclosed the existence of several K+ channels and of a Cl- channel, and their regulation by hormones, cell volume, trace elements and drugs. Most hormones affect K+ channels at least in part by increasing cytosolic Ca2+. However, indirect evidence points to additional mechanisms contributing to K+ channel activation. Cell swelling activates both K+ channels and unselective anion channels. ICln, a protein cloned from MDCK cells, is either a Cl- channel or a regulator of thereof. ICln is up-regulated by cellular acidification and is crucial for rapid regulatory cell volume decrease.

Animals↗

New mammalian chloride channel identified by expression cloning.

Ion channels selectively permeable to chloride ions regulate cell functions as diverse as excitability and control of cell volume. Using expression cloning techniques, a complementary DNA from an epithelial cell line has been isolated, sequenced and its putative structure examined by site-directed mutagenesis. This cDNA, encoding a 235-amino-acid protein, gave rise to a chloride-selective outward current when expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The expressed, outwardly rectifying chloride current was calcium-insensitive and was blocked by nucleotides applied to the cell surface. Mutation of a putative nucleotide-binding site resulted in loss of nucleotide block but incurred dependence on extracellular calcium concentration. The unusual sequence of this putative channel protein suggests a new class of ion channels not related to other previously cloned chloride channels.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effect of BHT 920 on calcium-activated K+ channels in renal epithelioid MDCK cells.

In Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, epinephrine has been shown to increase intracellular calcium, activate calcium-dependent K+ channels and hyperpolarize the cell membrane. The present study has been performed to test for the possible involvement of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. To this end, the effects of alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist BHT 920 have been studied on cell membrane potential, ion channel activity and intracellular calcium: Similar to epinephrine, BHT 920 hyperpolarizes the cell membrane, increases intracellular calcium and activates inwardly rectifying K+ channels (single channel slope conductances 30-80 pS). Half-maximal hyperpolarization is achieved at concentrations between 10 and 100 nmol/l. The hyperpolarizing effect of BHT 920 is abolished in the presence of alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine (100 nmol/l) but not in the presence of alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (100 nmol/l). At extracellular calcium activity below 100 nmol/l BHT 920 still leads to a transient hyperpolarization of the cell membrane but, in contrast to epinephrine, is unable to significantly increase intracellular calcium or significantly activate the calcium-sensitive K+ channels. The observations indicate that stimulation of alpha 2-receptors participates in the epinephrine-induced increase of intracellular calcium, channel activation and hyperpolarization.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

Cloning and expression of a rat cardiac delayed rectifier potassium channel.

We have cloned a cDNA (designated RAK) coding for a delayed-rectifier K current (IRAK) from adult rat heart atrium and expressed it in Xenopus oocytes. RAK differs from the cloned rat brain K current, BK2 [McKinnon, D. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 8230-8236], by one amino acid at residue 411. RAK expressed in oocytes compares closely to the intrinsic adult rat atrial delayed-rectifier current measured by using whole-cell recording of single isolated cells. Northern blot analysis confirmed the presence of the channel in adult rat atrium, and to a lesser extent, in rat ventricle. IRAK activates with time constants ranging from 58 ms at -20 mV to 6 ms at +60 mV and does not show significant inactivation over 800 ms. It is blocked by 4-aminopyridine greater than barium much greater than tetraethylammonium chloride, which is similar to the relative potencies of these blockers on the native delayed rectifier current. We conclude that the main delayed rectifier K current in adult rat atria is virtually identical to a neuronal delayed rectifier, BK2.

4-Aminopyridine↗

Cellular mechanisms of bradykinin-induced hyperpolarization in renal epitheloid MDCK-cells.

Previous studies have demonstrated that bradykinin hyperpolarizes the cell membrane of subconfluent MDCK cells by increase of the potassium conductance. The present study has been performed to elucidate the intracellular mechanisms involved. To this end, the effects of bradykinin on the potential difference across the cell membrane (PD), on formation of inositol phosphates, and on intracellular calcium concentration (Cai) have been analyzed in cells without or with pretreatment with pertussis toxin or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate diester (TPA). In untreated cells, bradykinin leads to a transient increase of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate, increase of Cai, activation of potassium channels and hyperpolarization of the cell membrane. The effects of bradykinin on PD and Cai are still present in the absence of extracellular calcium. In cells pretreated with pertussis toxin the effect of bradykinin on inositol trisphosphate formation is almost abolished but bradykinin still leads to a transient increase of Cai and PD in the presence and absence of extracellular calcium. In cells pretreated with TPA the bradykinin-induced increase of inositol trisphosphate formation is blunted, the bradykinin-induced increase of Cai abolished, but the bradykinin-induced hyperpolarization still present. The observations indicate that bradykinin increases Cai in part by phorbol ester and pertussis toxin sensitive activation of phospholipase C. In addition, bradykinin is capable of enhancing Cai by utilizing pertussis toxin insensitive mechanisms. Furthermore, bradykinin is able to transiently enhance the potassium conductance without a general increase of intracellular calcium.

Animals↗

Effect of alpha-adrenoceptor agonists on cell membrane potential in renal epitheloid Madin Darby canine kidney cells.

In Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells epinephrine--via alpha-adrenoceptors--leads to sustained hyperpolarization of the cell membrane. The present study defined the subtype of alpha-adrenoceptor involved. Both the alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist, phenylephrine, and alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists (BHT 920, guanfacine, moxonidine, oximetazoline) were able to hyperpolarize the cell membrane. The effect of epinephrine was only transient in the presence of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine, whereas the effect persisted in the presence of the alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist, prazosin. The epinephrine-induced hyperpolarization was almost abolished in the presence of both prazosin and yohimbine. In conclusion, both, alpha 1- and alpha 2-receptors are involved in the hyperpolarizing action of epinephrine.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

Cellular mechanisms of adrenaline-induced hyperpolarization in renal epitheloid MDCK cells.

The effects of adrenaline on the potential difference across the cell membrane, on formation of inositol phosphates and on intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) were analysed in cells without or with pretreatment with pertussis toxin or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). In untreated cells, adrenaline leads to a sustained hyperpolarization, a stimulation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,3,4,5,)P4 formation and a transient increase in [Ca2+]i from 78 +/- 7 to 555 +/- 43 nM, followed by a plateau of 260 +/- 23 microM. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+ the effect of adrenaline on both potential difference and [Ca2+]i is transient. In cells pretreated with pertussis toxin, the effects of adrenaline on InsP3 and [Ca2+]i are still preserved, but the effect on potential difference is transient. In cells pretreated with PMA, the effect of adrenaline on InsP3 formation is severely decreased and that on [Ca2+]i abolished, whereas a transient hyperpolarizing effect is still present. This transient hyperpolarization is abolished by additional pretreatment with pertussis toxin. The observations suggest that adrenaline hyperpolarizes the cell membrane of MDCK cells by several distinct mechanisms. First, adrenaline stimulates the formation of InsP3 and InsP4, which at least in part accounts for the release of intracellular Ca2+ and the entry of Ca2+ from the extracellular fluid. Stimulation of phospholipase C is not mediated by pertussis-toxin-sensitive G-proteins, but apparently is inhibited by activation of protein kinase C. Second, adrenaline hyperpolarizes the cell membrane by a mechanism independent from increase in [Ca2+]i which is sensitive to pertussis toxin but is, at least in part, insensitive to PMA.

Animals↗

Activation of cell membrane potassium conductance by mercury in cultured renal epithelioid (MDCK) cells.

To elucidate mechanisms of mercury toxicity, the cell membrane potential has been determined continuously in cultured kidney (MDCK)-cells during reversible application of mercury ions to extracellular perfusate. Exposure of the cells to 1 microM mercury ions is followed by rapid, sustained, and slowly reversible hyperpolarization of the cell membrane, increase of cell membrane potassium selectivity, and decrease of cell membrane resistance. Thus, mercury ions enhance the potassium conductance of the cell membrane. Half maximal hyperpolarizing effect is elicited by approximately 0.2 microM. Higher concentrations of mercury ions (greater than 10 microM) eventually depolarize the cell membrane. At extracellular calcium activity reduced to less than 0.1 microM, 1 microM mercury ions still leads to a sustained hyperpolarization and increase of potassium selectivity of the cell membrane. As evident from fluorescence measurements, 10 microM, but not 1 microM mercury ions leads to a rapid increase of intracellular calcium activity. Pretreatment of the cells with either pertussis toxin or cholera toxin does not blunt the hyperpolarizing effect of mercury ions. In conclusion, mercury ions activate the potassium conductance by a mechanism independent of increase of intracellular calcium activity and of cholera toxin- or pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins. This activation of potassium conductance may account for early effects of mercury intoxication, such as kaliuresis.

Animals↗

Cellular mechanisms of ATP-induced hyperpolarization in renal epitheloid MDCK-cells.

Previous studies have shown that ATP enhances intracellular calcium concentration and activates potassium channels in Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK)-cells, thus leading to hyperpolarization of the cell membrane. The present study has been performed to elucidate the intracellular mechanisms involved. To this end, the effects of ATP on the potential difference across the cell membrane (PD), on formation of inositol phosphates, and on intracellular calcium concentration (Cai) have been analyzed in cells without or with pretreatment with pertussis toxin or 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate diester (TPA). In untreated cells, ATP leads to a sustained hyperpolarization and an increase of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (IP4), and Cai. In the absence of extracellular calcium, the effect of ATP on PD and Cai is only transient. In cells pretreated with pertussis toxin, the effect of ATP on inositol trisphosphate is almost abolished, but ATP still leads to an increase of PD and Cai, which is sustained in the presence, and transient in the absence, of extracellular calcium. In cells pretreated with TPA, the effect of ATP on inositol trisphosphate is reduced and the effect on Cai blunted; but ATP still leads to a hyperpolarization of the cell membrane, which is sustained in the presence, and transient in the absence, of extracellular calcium. The observations indicate that ATP activates phospholipase C by a phorbol ester and pertussis toxin sensitive mechanism. In addition, ATP enhances Cai by pertussis toxin insensitive mechanisms allowing recruitment of calcium from both, extracellular fluid and intracellular stores. Calcium then activates the potassium channels and thus leads to the hyperpolarization of the cell membrane.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗