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PubMed1991

Cl- secretion by cultured shark rectal gland cells. I. Transepithelial transport.

To facilitate analysis of the regulation of epithelial Cl- transport by hormones, neurotransmitters, and autocrine mediators, we have developed a primary monolayer culture system for shark rectal gland (SRG) epithelial cells. Cultures exhibit vigorous transcellular Cl- secretion which can be measured using short-circuit current or 36Cl flux methods. Transport is markedly reduced by bumetanide or barium, inhibitors of Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl- cotransport and K+ channels, respectively. This indicates that Cl- secretion by SRG monolayers occurs by a mechanism similar to that described in numerous native Cl- secretory epithelia. Forskolin, 10 microM 2-chloroadenosine, or vasoactive intestinal peptide, potent secretagogues in the isolated perfused SRG, stimulate Cl- secretion by SRG cultures. Submicromolar concentrations of 2-chloroadenosine, which inhibit Cl- secretion in the native SRG, reduce forskolin-stimulated short-circuit current in SRG cultures. Somatostatin, another inhibitor of Cl- secretion by the native SRG, reduces forskolin-stimulated adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate accumulation in SRG cultures. These results demonstrate that SRG cultures are fully responsive to mediators which activate or inhibit secretion by the native epithelium.

2-Chloroadenosine↗
PubMed1991

Atriopeptin stimulates chloride secretion in cultured shark rectal gland cells.

Monolayer cultures of shark rectal gland (SRG) epithelial cells were treated with atriopeptin (AP), and the effects on Cl- secretion and intracellular guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) accumulation were examined. Basolateral or apical exposure to 10(-7) M AP markedly stimulated (8-fold) Cl(-)-dependent, bumetanide-sensitive, short-circuit current (Isc). The AP-stimulated Isc exhibited transient oscillations before reaching a steady state. This behavior is not observed when Isc is activated by other secretagogues such as vasoactive intestinal peptide, 2-chloroadenosine, forskolin, or ionomycin. Intracellular cGMP was concomitantly elevated (10-fold) by 10(-7) M AP. Both Isc stimulation and cGMP accumulation responses exhibited a similar dose dependency beginning at an AP concentration of 1 nM. The bilateral response to AP suggests the presence of receptors on both apical and basolateral plasma membranes. These results are the first demonstration of a direct effect of AP on Cl(-)-secreting epithelial cells. These data also suggest a role for cGMP in mediating Cl- secretion in these cells.

2-Chloroadenosine↗
PubMed1992

Na-K-Cl cotransport in the shark rectal gland. II. Regulation in isolated tubules.

We examined the binding of [3H]benzmetanide, a potent inhibitor of Na-K-Cl cotransport, to secretory tubules isolated from dogfish shark rectal glands. Specific binding increased dramatically (from 3 to 40 pmol/mg protein) when the tubules were exposed to secretory stimuli [e.g., vasoactive intestinal peptide, adenosine, forskolin, and permeable adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) analogues]. Binding was also promoted by osmotically induced changes in cell volume; a 45% reduction in cell water content mimicked the effect of secretagogues on binding, whereas a 40% increase in cell water was only half as effective. Volume-responsive binding required extracellular sodium and chloride. The effect of cell shrinkage on binding was rapid and reversible (half-activation time = approximately 3 min, half-deactivation time = approximately 2 min). The binding sites evoked by secretagogues and by cell shrinkage had similar affinities for [3H]benzmetanide (Kd approximately 0.35 microM). Forskolin, a potent secretagogue, increased cell cAMP content 10-fold and respiration 7-fold, whereas hypertonicity affected neither parameter. The effects of cAMP-dependent stimuli and hypertonicity on binding were not additive. These results suggest the following. 1) Na-K-Cl cotransporters acquire the ability to bind [3H]benzmetanide with high affinity when activated. 2) Hormonal modulation of rectal gland secretion involves a coordinated regulation of basolateral Na-K-Cl cotransporters and apical Cl channels. 3) Separate signal transduction pathways, one sensitive to cAMP and another to cell volume, regulate the Na-K-Cl cotransporter.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Ultrastructural and cytochemical characterization of cultured dogfish shark rectal gland cells.

The dogfish shark rectal gland (SRG) is histologically complex, containing connective, nerve, and smooth muscle tissue and at least three types of epithelial cells: secretory tubule, central duct, and endothelial. This cellular heterogeneity precludes studies of the intact SRG from distinguishing direct tubular effects of mediators that modulate chloride secretion from their indirect effects on nonepithelial cells such as neurons. Primary SRG cultures express high levels of secretagogue-stimulated chloride secretion, suggesting that SRG cells retain a significant level of cytodifferentiation in vitro. However, because nontubular cells could contaminate these cultures, the question of whether secretagogues activate chloride secretion through direct or indirect effects on tubular epithelial cells remains unresolved. To address this issue, detailed ultrastructural and cytochemical analyses of SRG cultures were carried out to assess the level of cellular heterogeneity and the degree of cytodifferentiation expressed by SRG cells in vitro. The results demonstrate that, after 15 days, primary SRG monolayer cultures are composed exclusively of tubular epithelial cells with no detectable contamination by central duct cells, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, or neurons. Tubular epithelial cells express most of the structural features of native SRG cells, including numerous mitochondria, massive basolateral surface amplification, complex tight junctions, and an extensive tubulovesicular system in the apical cytoplasm. Cultured SRG cells also display a striking level of polarization of cytoplasmic organelles and plasma membrane secretagogue receptors. These results account for the exceptionally high rates of electrogenic chloride secretion by SRG tubular epithelial cells in vitro and confirm that the effects of secretagogues on transport activity reflect their direct interaction with tubular epithelial cells.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Fluorescein-methotrexate transport in dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias) choroid plexus.

The vertebrate choroid plexus removes potentially toxic metabolites and xenobiotics from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to blood for subsequent excretion in urine and bile. We used confocal microscopy and quantitative image analysis to characterize the mechanisms driving transport of the large organic anion, fluorescein-methotrexate (FL-MTX), from bath (CSF-side) to blood vessels in intact lateral choroid plexus from dogfish shark, Squalus acanthias, an evolutionarily ancient vertebrate. With 2 microM FL-MTX in the bath, steady-state fluorescence in the subepithelium/vascular space exceeded bath levels by 5- to 10-fold, and fluorescence in the epithelial cells was slightly below bath levels. FL-MTX accumulation in both tissue compartments was reduced by NaCN, Na removal, and ouabain, but not by a 10-fold increase in medium K. Certain organic anions, e.g., probenecid, MTX, and taurocholate, reduced FL-MTX accumulation in both tissue compartments; p-aminohippurate and estrone sulfate reduced subepithelial/vascular accumulation, but not cellular accumulation. At low concentrations, digoxin, leukotriene C4, and MK-571 reduced fluorescence in the subepithelium/vascular space while increasing cellular fluorescence, indicating preferential inhibition of efflux over uptake. In the presence of 10 microM digoxin (reduced efflux, enhanced cellular accumulation), cellular FL-MTX accumulation was specific, concentrative, and Na dependent. Thus transepithelial FL-MTX transport involved the following two carrier-mediated steps: electroneutral, Na-dependent uptake at the apical membrane and electroneutral efflux at the basolateral membrane. Finally, FL-MTX accumulation in both tissue compartments was reduced by phorbol ester and increased by forskolin, indicating antagonistic modulation by protein kinase C and protein kinase A.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Neuropeptide Y inhibits chloride secretion in the shark rectal gland.

We studied the effects of the 36-amino acid peptide, neuropeptide Y (NPY), on salt secretion by the rectal gland of Squalus acanthias. We used three preparations: whole isolated perfused glands, freshly prepared separated rectal gland tubules, and confluent monolayers of cultured rectal gland cells. In perfused glands NPY inhibited secretion stimulated by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), forskolin, or adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and theophylline. Maximal inhibition of 63 +/- 3.4% was seen at 3 x 10(-8) M NPY, with half-maximal effect at 3 x 10(-9) M. NPY did not inhibit the basal activity of rectal gland adenylate cyclase or that stimulated by VIP. The inhibitory action of NPY was not prevented by procaine, nifedipine, or diltiazem, suggesting that it was not secondary to the release of somatostatin or other unknown neurotransmitters from rectal gland nerves. In confirmation, somatostatin was not detected in the venous effluent after administration of NPY. NPY also inhibited transport-related oxygen consumption in separated rectal gland tubules and inhibited short-circuit current generated by confluent monolayers of primary cultures of rectal gland cells. The results indicate that NPY inhibits chloride secretion by a direct action on cells of the shark rectal gland at a site distal to the generation of cAMP.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed2003

Localization of Mg2+-sensing shark kidney calcium receptor SKCaR in kidney of spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias.

We recently cloned a homologue of the bovine parathyroid calcium receptor from the kidney of a spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) and termed this new protein SKCaR. SKCaR senses alterations in extracellular Mg2+ after its expression in human embryonic kidney cells (Nearing J, Betka M, Quinn S, Hentschel H, Elger M, Baum M, Bai M, Chattopadyhay N, Brown E, Hebert S, and Harris HW. Proc Natl Acad. Sci USA 99: 9231-9236, 2002). In this report, we used light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical techniques to study the distribution of SKCaR in dogfish kidney. SKCaR antiserum bound to the apical membranes of shark kidney epithelial cells in the following tubular segments: proximal tubules (PIa and PIIb), late distal tubule, and collecting tubule/collecting duct as well as diffusely labeled cells of early distal tubule. The highly specific distribution of SKCaR in mesial tissue as well as lateral countercurrent bundles of dogfish kidney is compatible with a role for SKCaR to sense local tubular Mg2+ concentrations. This highly specific distribution of SKCaR protein in dogfish kidney could possibly work in concert with the powerful Mg2+ secretory system present in the PIIa segment of elasmobranch fish kidney to affect recycling of Mg2+ from putative Mg2+-sensing/Mg2+-reabsorbing segments. These data provide support for the possible existence of Mg2+ cycling in elasmobranch kidney in a manner analogous to that described for mammals.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Functional and molecular characterization of the shark renal Na-K-Cl cotransporter: novel aspects.

The Na-K-Cl cotransporter isoform 1 (NKCC1) has been isolated from several species, including Squalus acanthias. A second kidney-specific isoform (NKCC2) has been cloned mainly from higher vertebrates. Here, we have isolated the S. acanthias NKCC2 and found that it is produced in at least four spliced variants (saNKCC2A, saNKCC2F, saNKCC2AF, and saNKCC2AFno8) of approximately 1,090 residues. Expression of these transcripts in Xenopus laevis oocytes revealed that only the A and F variants are functional and that they are more active after incubation in low-Cl or hyperosmolar media. Rates of activation after exposure to these media were exceptionally rapid, demonstrating for the first time that the NKCC2 itself represents an important site of regulation by Cl and that extracellular domains are involved. Another remarkable finding in this study was the failure to identify NKCC2B, a variant found in the kidney of higher vertebrates and expressed specifically in macula densa cells. This result, in conjunction with the fact that the shark kidney lacks a well-developed juxtaglomerular apparatus, suggests that the B exon evolved as a result of selective pressure (presumably by exon duplication) and that a restricted relationship exists between NKCC2B and macula densa.

Alternative Splicing↗
PubMed1990

A1 adenosine receptors inhibit chloride transport in the shark rectal gland. Dissociation of inhibition and cyclic AMP.

In the in vitro perfused rectal gland of the dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias), the adenosine analogue 2-chloroadenosine (2Clado) completely and reversibly inhibited forskolin-stimulated chloride secretion with an IC50 of 5 nM. Other A1 receptor agonists including cyclohexyladenosine (CHA), N-ethylcarboxamideadenosine (NECA) and R-phenylisopropyl-adenosine (R-PIA) also completely inhibited forskolin stimulated chloride secretion. The "S" stereoisomer of PIA (S-PIA) was a less potent inhibitor of forskolin stimulated chloride secretion, consistent with the affinity profile of PIA stereoisomers for an A1 receptor. The adenosine receptor antagonists 8-phenyltheophylline and 8-cyclopentyltheophylline completely blocked the effect of 2Clado to inhibit forskolin-stimulated chloride secretion. When chloride secretion and tissue cyclic (c)AMP content were determined simultaneously in perfused glands, 2Clado completely inhibited secretion but only inhibited forskolin stimulated cAMP accumulation by 34-40%, indicating that the mechanism of inhibition of secretion by 2Clado is at least partially cAMP independent. Consistent with these results, A1 receptor agonists only modestly inhibited (9-15%) forskolin stimulated adenylate cyclase activity and 2Clado markedly inhibited chloride secretion stimulated by a permeant cAMP analogue, 8-chlorophenylthio cAMP (8CPT cAMP). These findings provide the first evidence for a high affinity A1 adenosine receptor that inhibits hormone stimulated ion transport in a model epithelia. A major portion of this inhibition occurs by a mechanism that is independent of the cAMP messenger system.

2-Chloroadenosine↗
PubMed1991

Endogenous adenosine is an autacoid feedback inhibitor of chloride transport in the shark rectal gland.

The present studies define the physiologic role of endogenous adenosine in the perfused shark rectal gland, a model epithelia for hormone-stimulated chloride transport. Chloride ion secretion, and venous adenosine and inosine concentrations increased in parallel in response to hormone stimulation. From a basal rate of 157 +/- 26 mu eq/h per g, chloride secretion increased to 836 +/- 96 and 2170 +/- 358 with 1 and 10 microM forskolin, venous adenosine increased from 5.0 +/- 1 to 126 +/- 29 and 896 +/- 181 nM, and inosine increased from 30 +/- 9 to 349 +/- 77 and 1719 +/- 454 nM (all P less than 0.01). Nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBTI), a nucleoside transport inhibitor, completely blocked the release of adenosine and inosine. Inhibition of chloride transport with bumetanide, an inhibitor of the Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter, or ouabain, an inhibitor of Na+/K+ ATPase activity, reduced venous adenosine and inosine to basal values. When the interaction of endogenous adenosine with extracellular receptors was prevented by adenosine deaminase, NBTI, or 8-phenyltheophylline, the chloride transport response to secretagogues increased by 1.7-2.3-fold. These studies demonstrate that endogenous adenosine is released in response to hormone-stimulated cellular work and acts at A1 adenosine receptors as a feedback inhibitor of chloride transport.

Adenosine↗
PubMed2006

Metabolic organization and effects of feeding on enzyme activities of the dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias) rectal gland.

In order to investigate the metabolic poise of the elasmobranch rectal gland, we conducted two lines of experimentation. First, we examined the effects of feeding on plasma metabolites and enzyme activities from several metabolic pathways in several tissues of the dogfish shark, Squalus acanthias, after starvation and at 6, 20, 30 and 48 h post-feeding. We found a rapid and sustained ten-fold decrease in plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate at 6 h and beyond compared with starved dogfish, suggesting an upregulation in the use of this substrate, a decrease in production, or both. Plasma acetoacetate levels remain unchanged, whereas there was a slight and transient decrease in plasma glucose levels at 6 h. Several enzymes showed a large increase in activity post-feeding, including beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase in rectal gland and liver, and in rectal gland, isocitrate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, glutamine synthetase and Na(+)/K(+) ATPase. Also notable in these enzyme measurements was the overall high level of activity in the rectal gland in general. For example, activity of the Krebs' TCA cycle enzyme citrate synthase (over 30 U g(-1)) was similar to activities in muscle from other species of highly active fish. Surprisingly, lactate dehydrogenase activity in the gland was also high (over 150 U g(-1)), suggesting either an ability to produce lactate anaerobically or use lactate as an aerobic fuel. Given these interesting observations, in the second aspect of the study we examined the ability of several metabolic substrates (alone and in combination) to support chloride secretion by the rectal gland. Among the substrates tested at physiological concentrations (glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate, lactate, alanine, acetoacetate, and glutamate), only glucose could consistently maintain a viable preparation. Whereas beta-hydroxybutyrate could enhance gland activity when presented in combination with glucose, surprisingly it could not sustain chloride secretion when used as a lone substrate. Our results are discussed in the context of the in vivo role of the gland and mechanisms of possible upregulation of enzyme activities.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

A Ca(2+)-sensing receptor modulates shark rectal gland function.

The elasmobranch Squalus acanthias controls plasma osmolality and extracellular fluid volume by secreting a hypertonic fluid from its rectal gland. Because we found a correlation between extracellular Ca(2+) concentration and changes in cytosolic Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)), we sought the possible presence of a calcium-sensing receptor in rectal gland artery and tubules. Cytosolic Ca(2+) of both tissues responded to the addition of external Ca(2+) (0.8-5.3 mmol l(-1)) in a linear fashion. Spermine, Gd(3+) and Ni(2+), known agonists of the calcium-sensing receptor, increased [Ca(2+)](i). To assess the participation of inositol triphosphate (IP(3)) generation, sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum (SR/ER) Ca(2+) depletion, and activation of store-operated Ca(2+) entry, we utilized thapsigargin and ryanodine to deplete Ca(2+) SR/ER stores and the inhibitory reagents TMB-8 and 2-APB to block IP(3) receptors. In each case, these agents inhibited the [Ca(2+)](i) response to agonist stimulation by approximately 50 %. Blockade of L-channels with nifedipine had no significant effect. Increases in ionic strength are known to inhibit the calcium-sensing receptor. We postulate that the CaSR stimulates Ca(2+)-mediated constriction of the rectal gland artery and diminishes cyclic AMP-mediated salt secretion in rectal gland tubules during non-feeding conditions. When the shark ingests sea water and fish, an increase in blood and interstitial fluid ionic strength inhibits the activity of the calcium-sensing receptor, relaxing the rectal gland artery and permitting salt secretion by the rectal gland tubules.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

The Na-K-Cl cotransport protein of shark rectal gland. II. Regulation by direct phosphorylation.

We determined the relationship between the activation state and phosphorylation state of the Na-K-Cl cotransport protein in tubules isolated from the shark rectal gland, a prototypic chloride-secreting epithelium. In response to cAMP-dependent secretagogues (e.g. vasoactive intestinal peptide, adenosine, and forskolin) or osmotically induced changes in cell volume, the activation state of the cotransport protein (assessed from measurements of loop diuretic binding) increased 5-10 fold. The response was temporally associated with a comparable increase (3-9 fold) in cotransport protein phosphorylation. Graded changes in cotransporter activation evoked proportional changes in cotransporter phosphorylation. Under the conditions of our experiments, the 195-kDa cotransporter was the only membrane protein whose phosphorylation state increased conspicuously in response to both cAMP and cell shrinkage. Both stimuli promoted phosphorylation of the cotransport protein at serine and threonine residues. One of the cAMP-sensitive phosphoacceptors was found within a segment of the cotransport protein comprised of a sequence (Phe-Gly-His-Asn-Thr*-Ile-Asp-Ala-Val-Pro) that corresponds to a segment of the Na-K-Cl cotransport protein predicted by cDNA analysis, where the phosphoacceptor (Thr*) is threonine 189. Incubation of rectal gland tubules with K-252a or H-8, structurally different protein kinase inhibitors, rendered the cotransporter insensitive to both cAMP and cell shrinkage. We conclude that the rectal gland Na-K-Cl cotransport protein is regulated by direct reversible phosphorylation at serine and threonine sites.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

The Na-K-Cl cotransport protein of shark rectal gland. I. Development of monoclonal antibodies, immunoaffinity purification, and partial biochemical characterization.

The Na-K-Cl cotransporter mediates the coupled transport of Na, K, and Cl across the plasma membrane of many animal cell membranes. It is inhibited by loop diuretics such as furosemide, bumetanide, and benzmetanide. We have developed a panel of monoclonal antibodies directed against the 195-kDa shark rectal gland Na-K-Cl cotransport protein. Four representative antibodies (J3, J4, J7, and J25), each of which recognizes a discrete structural domain, were selected for detailed characterization. When a radiolabeled loop diuretic is bound to the cotransporter prior to solubilization, each antibody immunoprecipitates the same diuretic-protein complex. Of the four antibodies, J4 favors the native protein over the denatured one and does not bind well to proteolytic fragments; in contrast, J7 recognizes the cotransporter only after it has been solubilized. J3, J7, and J25 each recognize a unique ensemble of proteolytic fragments of the 195-kDa protein; analysis of the patterns of recognition has yielded a tentative assignment of the approximate location of the epitopes within the peptide. When the cotransport protein is treated with N-glycanase to remove N-linked oligosaccharides, its apparent mass decreases to approximately 135 kDa. The deglycosylated form is recognized by each of the antibodies except J25; this suggests that the J25 epitope is within the oligosaccharide component or in a peptide domain whose folding is disturbed by carbohydrate removal. An immunoaffinity matrix constructed with the J4 antibody permits single-step purification of the 195-kDa protein; other proteins copurify with the large glycoprotein, but none of these appear to be subunits of a stoichiometric complex. The amino acid sequence of four fragments of the 195-kDa cotransport protein is reported. Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy demonstrates, in agreement with physiological evidence, that the 195-kDa protein is distributed along the basolateral membrane and excluded from the apical membrane of the rectal gland secretory cell.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Lipid contents of marine fish: Carcharhinus melanopterus (Black Shark) and Lutjanus johnii (Hira).

Total lipid composition of liver oil of two marine fish Carcharhinus melanopterus (Black Shark) and Lutjanus johnii (Hira) was determined. The fatty acid contents of total liver lipids were identified through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. It was found that fatty acid methyl eaten mainly consist of myristic, pentadecylic, palmitic, stearic acids as saturated, and palmitoleic, oleic, elaidic, eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic, and clupanodonic acids as unsaturated components. Appreciable quantities of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUPA) and omega-3 fatty acids were detected.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1987

Effects of ouabain and furosemide on transepithelial electrical parameters of the isolated shark ciliary epithelium.

Sections of the ciliary epithelium of adult sharks (Squalus acanthias) were mounted in Ussing-type chambers (area 0.2 cm2) for measurements of transepithelial potential difference (PD), short circuit current (SCC) and calculation of transepithelial resistance (R). In 15 preparations PD was aqueous side negative (-0.51 +/- 0.12 mV; SCC 18.3 +/- 2.5 microA cm-2; R 30.7 +/- 3.1 Ohm cm2). However, in 15 other preparations incubated in identical Ringer's solution PD was aqueous side positive (0.53 +/- 0.09 mV; SCC -19.6 +/- 2.3 microA cm-2; R 27.9 +/- 2.8 Ohm cm2). 10(-5) M ouabain or 10(-4) M furosemide were applied either to the aqueous or blood side of the isolated ciliary epithelium at transepithelial negative or positive PD. When the transepithelial PD was positive on the aqueous side ouabain decreased PD and SCC within 15 to 45 min. When the spontaneous PD was negative both PD and SCC decreased when ouabain was applied to the blood side. When the drug was given to the aqueous side a biphasic response (first stimulation, then inhibition) of PD and SCC was observed. Furosemide when given to the blood side (with aqueous side PD positive) or to the aqueous side (with aqueous side PD negative) decreased PD and SCC. However, a transient stimulation of both electrical parameters was observed when furosemide was applied to either the blood side (with aqueous side PD negative) or to the aqueous side (with aqueous side PD positive). The polarity and magnitude of PD and SCC probably depend on the relative activity of sodium and chloride pumps across the cell membranes of the non-pigmented and/or pigmented cell layer. However, additional transport mechanisms cannot be excluded.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Confocal microscopic observation of cytoskeletal reorganizations in cultured shark rectal gland cells following treatment with hypotonic shock and high external K+.

The dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias) rectal gland (SRG) cell has served as a model experimental system for investigating the relationship between the actin cytoskeleton and cell volume regulation. Previous reports employing conventional fluorescence microscopy of tissue slices have shown that cells exposed to high external K+ and hypotonically-induced cell swelling displayed a fading of F-actin staining intensity, particularly at the basolateral cell borders. However, spectroscopic measurement of the F-actin present in similarly treated rectal gland slices failed to demonstrate a net change in F-actin amount. In an effort to resolve the structural reorganizations of F-actin which may be occurring during high K+ and hypotonic shock treatments, we have used cultured SRG cells in conjunction with confocal microscopic immunocytochemical localization techniques to examine actin filament, microtubule, and cytokeratin filament dynamics under these two experimental conditions. The results reveal that F-actin in control cells exists in an array of parallel linear bundles (which do not appear to be stress fiber-like given their lack of staining for myosin II or alpha-actinin) that is reorganized to a punctate pattern in hypotonic shock and a dense meshwork in high K+. The linear bundle pattern of F-actin returns in cells undergoing regulatory volume decrease. Quantitative western blotting of F-actin in SRG cell detergent extracted cytoskeletons indicates no significant difference in the relative amounts of F-actin present in control, hypotonic shocked, or high K+ cells. Anti-tubulin and anti-cytokeratin labeling of the treated SRG cells suggest that these other major cytoskeletal elements are not significantly altered by the treatments. Taken together, our results reinforce the concept that there is an association between the structural organization of the actin cytoskeleton and cell volume regulation in the SRG epithelial cells.

Actins↗