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Biomedical subjects

N Levine

Publications and source records attributed to N Levine.

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources
PubMed1975

Active chloride secretion by in vitro guinea-pig seminal vesicle and its possible relation to vesicular function in vivo.

1. The guinea-pig seminal vesicle in vivo is characterized by a transmural electrical potential difference of approximately 11 mV with the lumen electrically negative with respect to the interstitial fluid. The concentrations of Na, Cl and K in the vesicular fluid are 13, 15, and 0-4 mM, respectively. 2. When mounted as a flat sheet in a short-circuit apparatus, guinea-pig seminal vesicles initially undergo a decline in the transmural electrical potential difference and short-circuit current ('low phase') followed by a spontaneous increase in these parameters ('high phase'). 3. During the low phase, net C1 movements across the tissue do not differ significantly from zero, and there is a small 'residual' current that is unaccounted for. 4. During the high phase, there is a significant active C1 secretion into the mucosal solution, not detectable net movement of Na and an unaccounted for or 'residual' current that is equal to that found in the low phase. 5. Theophylline, dibutyryl-3'-5' cyclic adenosinemonophosphate,prostaglandin E1 and prostaglandin F2alpha markedly stimulate the transmural electrical potential difference and short-circuit current during the low phase, but have no effect when added to the bathing solution during the high phase. 6. Diffusion potentials determined across in vitro seminal vesicles suggest that the spontaneous transmural electrical potential difference in vivo may be attributable to the large ionic asymmetries between the vesicular fluid and the plasma. 7. It is postulated that two phases are involved in the elaboration of seminal vesicular fluid. The initial phase, following emptying of the vesicle, is characterized by the secretion of electrolytes, organic molecules and water. Active C1 secretion presumably regulated by intracellular cyclic adenosinemonophosphate and/or prostaglandins may be the driving force for this initial secretion of electrolytes. Following this secretory phase, electrolytes and water are reabsorbed, thereby concentrating the organic components in the vesicular reservoir.

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PubMed1971

Micropuncture studies of the electrochemical aspects of fluid and electrolyte transport in individual seminiferous tubules, the epididymis and the vas deferens in rats.

1. Micropuncture and micro-analytical techniques were used to study some of the electrochemical aspects of fluid and electrolyte transport in single seminiferous tubules, the epididymis and vas deferens.2. Seminiferous tubules contain a fluid that is slightly hypertonic to plasma, has a high potassium and chloride ion concentration, a lower sodium ion concentration and is slightly acidic relative to plasma.3. The lumen of the seminiferous tubule is about 5 mV negative to a Ringers bathing solution.4. Potassium and chloride ions enter the seminiferous tubule lumen against an electrochemical gradient, while the gradient for sodium ion favours its entry. This does not preclude possible active transport of sodium ion.5. Between the seminiferous tubules and the beginning of the caput epididymis spermatocrit changes indicate that about 50% of the fluid leaving the testis is reabsorbed. Chloride ion and potassium ion are reabsorbed in concentrations greater than in lumen while sodium ion is reabsorbed in a concentration equal to that in the lumen. This region is also the site of intense hydrogen ion secretion.6. The region between the seminiferous tubules and the caput is isopotential. Reabsorption of sodium and chloride ions are against electrochemical gradient. Potassium ion reabsorption is favoured by the electrochemical gradient.7. Osmolar and electrical considerations indicate the probable secretion of organic acids between the seminiferous tubules and the caput epididymis.8. Between the caput and the vas deferens 50% of the remaining fluid is reabsorbed. Sodium ion is reabsorbed in concentrations much greater than in lumen, potassium ion enters the lumen and the pH rises. Sodium reabsorption in this region is essentially independent of chloride reabsorption.9. The corpus epididymis is 20 mV negative to a Ringers bathing medium while the beginning of the vas deferens is 27 mV negative. Reabsorption of sodium ion is against an electrochemical gradient as is potassium entry. Osmolality data and the concentration of sodium in the reabsorbate require further secretion of organic compounds in this region.

Animals↗