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PubMed1994

Effects of ammonium on intracellular pH in rat medullary thick ascending limb: mechanisms of apical membrane NH4+ transport.

UNLABELLED: The renal medullary thick ascending limb (MTAL) actively reabsorbs ammonium ions. To examine the effects of NH4+ transport on intracellular pH (pHi) and the mechanisms of apical membrane NH4+ transport, MTALs from rats were isolated and perfused in vitro with 25 mM HCO3(-)-buffered solutions (pH 7.4). pHi was monitored using the fluorescent dye BCECF. In the absence of NH4+, the mean pHi was 7.16. Luminal addition of 20 mM NH4+ caused a rapid intracellular acidification (dpHi/dt = 11.1 U/min) and reduced the steady state pHi to 6.67 (delta pHi = 0.5 U), indicating that apical NH4+ entry was more rapid than entry of NH3. Luminal furosemide (10(-4) M) reduced the initial rate of cell acidification by 70% and the fall in steady state pHi by 35%. The residual acidification observed with furosemide was inhibited by luminal barium (12 mM), indicating that apical NH4+ entry occurred via both furosemide (Na(+)-NH4(+)-2Cl- cotransport) and barium-sensitive pathways. The role of these pathways in NH4+ absorption was assessed under symmetric ammonium conditions. With 4 mM NH4+ in perfusate and bath, mean steady state pHi was 6.61 and net ammonium absorption was 12 pmol/min/mm. Addition of furosemide to the lumen abolished net ammonium absorption and caused pHi to increase abruptly (dpHi/dt = 0.8 U/min) to 7.0. Increasing luminal [K+] from 4 to 25 mM caused a similar, rapid cell alkalinization. The pronounced cell alkalinization observed with furosemide or increasing [K+] was not observed in the absence of NH4+. In symmetric 4 mM NH4+ solutions, addition of barium to the lumen caused a slow intracellular alkalinization and reduced net ammonium absorption only by 14%. CONCLUSIONS: (a) ammonium transport is a critical determinant of pHi in the MTAL, with NH4+ absorption markedly acidifying the cells and maneuvers that inhibit apical NH4+ uptake (furosemide or elevation of luminal [K+]) causing intracellular alkalinization; (b) most or all of transcellular ammonium absorption is mediated by apical membrane Na(+)-NH4(+)-2Cl- cotransport; (c) NH4+ also permeates a barium-sensitive apical membrane transport pathway (presumably apical membrane K+ channels) but this pathway does not contribute significantly to ammonium absorption under physiologic (symmetric ammonium) conditions.

Animals↗
PubMed1969

Further studies on the roles of sodium and potassium in the generation of the electro-olfactogram. Effects of mono- , di- , and trivalent cations.

In the negative EOG-generating process a cation which can substitute for Na(+) was sought among the monovalent ions, Li(+), Rb(+), Cs(+), NH(4) (+), and TEA(+), the divalent ions, Mg(++), Ca(++), Sr(++), Ba(++), Zn(++), Cd(++), Mn(++), Co(++), and Ni(++), and the trivalent ions, Al(+++) and Fe(+++). In Ringer solutions in which Na(+) was replaced by one of these cations the negative EOG's decreased in amplitude and could not maintain the original amplitudes. In K(+)-Ringer solution in which Na(+) was replaced by K(+), the negative EOG's reversed their polarity. Recovery of these reversed potentials was examined in modified Ringer solutions in which Na(+) was replaced by one of the above cations. Complete recovery was found only in the normal Ringer solution. Thus, it was clarified that Na(+) plays an irreplaceable role in the generation of the negative EOG's. The sieve hypothesis which was valid for the positive EOG-generating membrane or IPSP was not found applicable in any form to the negative EOG-generating membrane. The reversal of the negative EOG's found in K(+)- , Rb(+)- , and Ba(++)-Ringer solutions was attributed to the exit of the internal K(+). It is, however, not known whether or not Cl(-) permeability increases in these Na(+)-free solutions and contributes to the generation of the reversed EOG's.

Acetates↗
PubMed2002

Sulfonylurea-sensitive K(+) transport is involved in Cl(-) secretion and cyst trowth by cultured ADPKD cells.

Transepithelial chloride and fluid secretion by many types of epithelia involves activation of a conductive K(+) pathway that serves to support the electrochemical driving force for Cl(-) secretion. This study sought to determine if such a pathway is involved in Cl(-) and fluid secretion by the cystic epithelia in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Primary cultures of cells derived from the cysts of patients with ADPKD were used. Confluent monolayers of these cells, mounted in Ussing chambers, were stimulated to secrete Cl(-) by application of the adenylyl cyclase agonist, forskolin. The effects of various K(+) channel blockers on the increase in short-circuit current (I(sc)) generated by active Cl(-) secretion were determined. Charybdotoxin, an inhibitor of Ca(2+)-sensitive K(+) channels exerted no effect. Similarly, the chromanole 293B, an inhibitor of cAMP-induced K(+) conductance, exerted no effect on cAMP-dependent anion secretion. Glibenclamide, an inhibitor of ATP-sensitive K(+) channels and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), modestly inhibited the forskolin-stimulated current when applied to the apical surface of the monolayers, suggesting a relatively weak effect on CFTR. Basolateral application of glibenclamide inhibited I(sc) to a greater extent. This latter effect may be due to inhibition of a K(+)-conductive transport step. Glibenclamide exerted little effect on the I(sc) of nonstimulated monolayers. Cyst growth in ADPKD is driven by cell proliferation and Cl(-) and fluid secretion. The effect of glibenclamide on the growth of cysts formed within a collagen gel by cultured ADPKD cells was tested. Addition of glibenclamide to the media bathing the cysts inhibited their growth. Glibenclamide also blocked the formation of cysts when it was added to the media at the time the cells were seeded within the collagen gel. Glibenclamide was also found to inhibit the proliferation of ADPKD cells. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that the ATP-sensitive K(+) channel, K(ir) 6.2, is expressed in cultured ADPKD cells and in normal human kidney. These results suggest that ATP-sensitive K(+) channel blockers should be investigated as possible therapeutic agents to inhibit cyst growth in ADPKD.

Barium↗
PubMed2002

Ba(14)Cu(2)In(4)N(7), a new subnitride with isolated nitridocuprate groups and indium clusters.

Single crystals of Ba(14)Cu(2)In(4)N(7), tetradecabarium dicopper tetraindium heptanitride, were synthesized by slow cooling from 1023 K at 7 MPa of N(2) using an Na flux. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2/m with Z = 2, and contains 0[CuN(2)] nitridocuprate units and distorted 0[In(4)] clusters. One Ba atom, not connected to any N atoms, is surrounded by 12 other Ba atoms in a barium cuboctahedron. The structural formula is expressed as (Ba)Ba(27)N(6)[CuN(2)](4)[In(4)](2).

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

Hydrated metal(II) complexes of N-(6-amino-3,4-dihydro-3-methyl-5-nitroso-4-oxopyrimidin-2-yl) derivatives of glycine, glycylglycine, threonine, serine, valine and methionine: a monomeric complex and coordination polymers in one, two and three dimensions linked by hydrogen bonding.

Nine hydrated complexes of Group 2 (alkaline earth) cations with organic ligands which are N-substituted amino acids containing the 6-amino-3,4-dihydro-3-methyl-5-nitroso-4-oxopyrimidin-2-yl group have been structurally characterized. The octahydrated calcium glycinate complex, where the six-coordinate Ca cation lies on an inversion centre in the space group P(-)1, forms a finite (zero-dimensional) complex. The hexahydrated barium glycinate complex contains eight-coordinate Ba and it is isostructural with the known Sr analogue, and its one-dimensional coordination polymer takes the form of a simple chain. The octahydrated calcium and strontium threonine complexes are isostructural, with eight-coordinate cations lying on twofold rotation axes in the space group C2: the one-dimensional coordination polymers take the form of a chain of spiro-fused rings and a similar chain of spiro-fused rings is found in the heptahydrated barium serine complex, although here the ten-coordinate cation lies in a general position. In the tetrahydrated strontium and barium glycylglycinate complexes, the eight-coordinate cations lie on twofold rotation axes in the space group C2/c, but in the Sr complex the coordination polymer is a chain of spiro-fused rings, while in the Ba complex the coordination polymer forms deeply puckered sheets. There are two types of Ca site in the hexahydrated calcium valine complex: one is eight coordinate and gives rise to a two-dimensional coordination polymer, while the other is seven coordinate forming a finite, zero-dimensional coordination complex. In the heptahydrated barium methionine complex, the coordination polymer is three dimensional. In all of the complexes, the coordination aggregates are further linked by an extensive series of hydrogen bonds.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1992

Millimolar amiloride concentrations block K conductance in proximal tubular cells.

1. Amiloride, applied at millimolar concentrations, results in the blockade of K+ conductance in amphibian proximal convoluted cells (PCT), fused into giant cells. 2. Amiloride results directly in a blockade of K+ conductance that is not related to inhibition of the Na(+)-H+ antiport, which would lower intracellular pH, adversely affecting K+ conductance. On the contrary, high amiloride concentrations promote entry of this lipophilic base in the cell, leading to higher cell pH. 3. Under voltage clamp conditions, control vs. amiloride, current-voltage curves from PCT fused giant cells intersect at -86.2 +/- 3.4 mV, a value close to the equilibrium potential for potassium. 4. Hexamethylene amiloride, 10(-5) M, irreversibly depolarizes the membrane potential. 5. Barium decreased by 50% the initial slope of realkalinization, following removal of a solution containing NH4Cl, as did amiloride. In addition, these blockers reduced membrane conductance by 40%, suggesting that a fraction of the amiloride-suppressible NH4+ efflux may be conductive. 6. Amiloride does not directly inhibit the Na(+)-K+, ATPase in our preparation, contrary to the prevalent belief. 7. In vivo studies show that amiloride interferes with an apical K+ conductance but it does not alter basolateral K+ conductance.

Amiloride↗
PubMed1994

Rhythmic contractions in isolated small arteries of rat: role of K+ channels and the Na+,K(+)-pump.

Small mesenteric arteries from Wistar rats display rhythmic tension oscillations, associated with oscillations in membrane potential, when stimulated with noradrenaline. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of potassium conductance and Na+, K(+)-pump activity in the generation of these oscillations. The effect on the rhythmic contractions of several agents, interacting with K+ channels, was studied. Application of apamin, pinacidil or glibenclamide did not affect the rhythmic activity. Tetraethylammonium (TEA) increased the frequency of the rhythmic contractions, while application of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) increased the amplitude by approximately 50%, with no changes in frequency. Ba2+, on the other hand, impaired the rhythmic contractions or converted them to irregular oscillations in the presence of functional endothelium, but did not affect oscillations in endothelium-denuded vessels. Ouabain or exposure to K(+)-free solution, procedures known to inhibit the Na+,K(+)-pump, abolished the rhythmic contractions. This effect was immediate, suggesting that it was due to elimination of the electrogenic action of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase, rather than to a change in intracellular ion concentrations. Exposure to an extracellular potassium concentration of more than 20 mM also inhibited the oscillation activity. The results suggest that the oscillations are not caused by, but may be modulated by, variations in potassium conductance. The Na+,K(+)-pump seems to play an important role in the generation of rhythmic contractions in these vessels.

4-Aminopyridine↗
PubMed1984

Selective absence of calcium spikes in Purkinje cells of staggerer mutant mice in cerebellar slices maintained in vitro.

The bioelectrical properties of Purkinje cells (intrasomatic recordings) were studied in sagittal cerebellar slices of both adult staggerer and control mice. Mean input resistances of Purkinje cells were 25 +/- 4 M omega and 48 +/- 7 M omega in normal and staggerer mice respectively. In both groups, time-dependent inward rectifications were apparent in the hyperpolarizing voltage-responses. In normal mice, tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive simple spikes and slower-rising multiphasic spikes, abolished when Ca was replaced by Cd in the bath, spontaneously occurred in Purkinje cells. These Na- and Ca-dependent spikes were also elicited by depolarizing current pulses. In the mutant, Ca spikes were never observed, even in strongly depolarized cells. On the contrary, TTX-sensitive simple spikes occurred spontaneously or were elicited by depolarizing current pulses. When Ca was replaced by Ba in the bath, the Ca spikes evoked in normal Purkinje cells by direct stimulation were first enhanced and then replaced by prolonged action potentials (1-6 s in duration) which were TTX-resistant and Cd-sensitive. These (Ba) action potentials were also triggered by climbing fibre activation of the cells. In staggerer mice, Ca spikes were never elicited by direct stimulation in Ba-containing medium, although in a few cells prolonged action potentials were occasionally elicited by depolarizing current pulses. However, this latter type of response was never evoked by climbing fibre activation of Purkinje cells. In the mutant, extracellular application of tetraethylammonium (TEA) generated prolonged action potentials, the plateaux of depolarization of which were less positive than those elicited by Ba in control mice. These plateaux were abolished by TTX and left unaffected by the substitution of Ca by Cd in the bath, suggesting that they were due to a non-inactivating Na conductance. On the whole, the present study strongly suggests that voltage-dependent Ca channels are missing in most staggerer Purkinje cells or at least that their characteristics and/or distribution are such that they cannot be activated. Na channels appear unaffected.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1991

Potassium currents of isolated Necturus enterocytes: a whole-cell patch-clamp study.

1. The whole-cell recording mode of the patch-clamp technique was used to investigate the ionic currents of enterocytes isolated from the small intestine epithelium of Necturus maculosus. 2. When enterocytes were bathed in a physiological Ringer solution and dialysed with a K(+)-rich intracellular solution containing 1.5 x 10(-7) M intracellular Ca2+, strongly outwardly rectifying currents were observed. These currents were absent from enterocytes internally dialysed with K(+)-free solutions. 3. The kinetics of activation of the outwardly rectifying current was monoexponential with rate constants decreasing with depolarization from 160 ms at 20 mV to 40 ms at 60 mV. Similar voltage dependence of the relaxations after activation were observed. 4. Strongly buffering intracellular Ca2+ with EGTA inhibited outward currents, while increasing Ca2+ increased both their magnitude and rate of activation. 5. Bath application of the K+ channel inhibitors Ba2+ and TEA greatly attenuated outwardly rectifying currents. This observation plus the fact that tail currents reverse near EK points to K+ as the charge carrier in these currents. 6. Outside-out patches showed maxi K+ channels and lower conductance K+ channels. Averaging fluctuations of the maxi K+ channels gave a kinetic behaviour similar to the whole-cell currents.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Inactivation characteristics of a sustained, Ca(2+)-independent K+ current of rat hippocampal neurones in vitro.

1. Current or voltage clamp recordings from CA3 neurones of the adult rat hippocampal slice were performed to study the inactivation properties of a slow outward K+ current identified as the delayed rectifier (IK). 2. In current clamp experiments, burst firing evoked from resting membrane potential by intracellular current injection was reduced or blocked by conditioning hyperpolarizing pre-pulses of 20-40 mV amplitude. This effect was inhibited by tetraethylammonium (TEA; 20 mM) but was unaffected by Cs+ (3 mM), 4-aminopyridine (4-AP; 2 mM), carbachol (30-50 microM), mast cell degranulating peptide (MCDP; 300 nM), thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH; 1 microM) or by a Ca(2+)-free solution containing Mn2+ or Co2+ (2 mM). 3. Single-electrode voltage clamp experiments were carried out on neurones superfused with Ca(2+)-free solution, containing tetrodotoxin (TTX; 1 microM), Mn2+ or Co2+ (2 mM), 4-AP (2 mM), Cs+ (3 mM) and carbachol (30 microM). Step depolarizations from a holding potential of -55 mV activated an outward current which reached a plateau after 200 ms, followed by an outward tail current. Such an outward current had the characteristics of IK. 4. The outward currents were significantly potentiated by conditioning hyperpolarizing pre-pulses suggesting the IK was reduced by a voltage-dependent inactivation process. Removal of inactivation was a function of the amplitude of the conditioning hyperpolarizing pre-pulse. At a holding potential of -55 mV removal of inactivation was time dependent with a time constant of 211 ms. High K+ (12.5 or 21.5 mM) solutions did not affect the inactivation characteristics of IK. 5. Tetraethylammonium (20 mM) or low concentrations of Ba2+ (0.1 mM) readily depressed the outward current without significantly affecting the inactivation process. Dendrotoxin (200 nM) also depressed such a slow current but, in addition, increased the inactivation process of IK. 6. It is suggested that removal of inactivation of IK by hyperpolarization can modulate cell excitability by fully restoring the ability of IK to inhibit burst firing of CA3 hippocampal neurones.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Ba2+, TEA+, and quinine effects on apical membrane K+ conductance and maxi K+ channels in gallbladder epithelium.

The apical membrane of Necturus gallbladder epithelium contains a voltage-activated K+ conductance [Ga(V)]. Large-conductance (maxi) K+ channels underlie Ga(V) and account for 17% of the membrane conductance (Ga) under control conditions. We examined the Ba2+, tetraethylammonium (TEA+), and quinine sensitivities of Ga and single maxi K+ channels. Mucosal Ba2+ addition decreased resting Ga in a concentration-dependent manner (65% block at 5 mM) and decreased Ga(V) in a concentration- and voltage-dependent manner. Mucosal TEA+ addition also decreased control Ga (60% reduction at 5 mM). TEA+ block of Ga(V) was more potent and less voltage dependent that Ba2+ block. Maxi K+ channels were blocked by external Ba2+ at millimolar levels and by external TEA+ at submillimolar levels. At 0.3 mM, quinine (mucosal addition) hyperpolarized the cell membranes by 6 mV and reduced the fractional apical membrane resistance by 50%, suggesting activation of an apical membrane K+ conductance. At 1 mM, quinine both activated and blocked K(+)-conductive pathways. Quinine blocked maxi K+ channel currents at submillimolar concentrations. We conclude that 1) Ba2+ and TEA+ block maxi K+ channels and other K+ channels underlying resting Ga; 2) parallels between the Ba2+ and TEA+ sensitivities of Ga(V) and maxi K+ channels support a role for these channels in Ga(V); and 3) quinine has multiple effects on K(+)-conductive pathways in gallbladder epithelium, which are only partially explained by block of apical membrane maxi K+ channels.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Inwardly rectifying potassium current in mammalian lens epithelial cells.

Lens potassium conductance is essential for the maintenance of lens volume and transparency. Recent work has identified three major potassium currents in lens: 1) an outwardly rectifying current, 2) an inwardly rectifying current, and 3) a calcium-activated current. This paper presents a study of the lens inward rectifier using whole cell and single-channel patch-clamp techniques. Inwardly rectifying potassium current is present in isolated human, rabbit, rat, and mouse lens epithelia. The voltage about which rectification occurs depends on the external potassium concentration. Internal magnesium is not necessary for rectification. In physiological saline, a time-dependent decrease in current during sustained hyperpolarization is seen. This "droop" is due to voltage-dependent block by external sodium. The inward rectifier is also effectively blocked by external cesium or barium but not by tetraethylammonium or 4-aminopyridine. The mouse lens inward rectifier has a single-channel conductance of 32 pS (measured on-cell with 150 mM potassium in the pipette). The single-channel current-voltage relationship is linear in the inward direction. In contrast to the macroscopic case, no outward current was measurable. The inward rectifier in lens has the necessary properties to be involved in setting resting voltage.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

An outwardly rectifying K+ current active near resting potential in human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Currents in freshly dissociated adult human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells were studied using the perforated patch-clamp technique. The zero-current potential (V0) averaged -48.9 +/- 7.7 mV (n = 50). Depolarizing voltage pulses from -70 mV evoked an outward current that activated with first-order kinetics and that did not inactivate during prolonged depolarizations. Repolarizing the membrane potential produced tail currents that reversed near the K+ equilibrium potential, indicating that the sustained outward current was carried mainly by K+. The outwardly rectifying K+ conductance (gK) had an activation threshold voltage near -60 mV and was half-maximal at -37 mV. Approximately 25% of gK was active at the average V0. The K+ current was nearly completely blocked by 2 mM Ba2+ but was relatively insensitive to 20 mM tetraethylammonium. The kinetics, voltage dependence, and blocker sensitivity of this current clearly distinguish it from delayed rectifier K+ currents previously identified in RPE cells. We conclude that the sustained outward K+ current may help establish the resting potential of the apical and/or basolateral membranes and may also participate in K+ transport across the RPE.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Volume regulation initiated by Na(+)-nutrient cotransport in isolated mammalian villus enterocytes.

We assessed ion transport during regulatory volume decrease (RVD) in jejunal villus enterocytes, isolated in suspension from guinea pig jejunum and swollen by exposure to L-alanine (L-Ala) or D-glucose (D-Glc) in the presence of Na+. Cell volume was measured electronically. Relative volume of cells (rel vol: cell vol/isotonic vol) within 1 min of L-Ala (20 mM) addition increased (1.10 +/- 0.03, P less than 0.005), but by 5 min there was no difference between cells in L-Ala or 20 mM D-Ala (0.95 +/- 0.02). Cell shrinkage after maximal swelling was greater with L-Ala than with D-Ala (14 +/- 4 vs. 2 +/- 1%, P less than 0.01). Initial swelling generated by L-Ala required extracellular Na+ (P less than 0.02). Volume increased 30 s after D-Glc (20 mM), and cells were larger than cells treated with L-Glc (1.04 +/- 0.01 vs. 0.95 +/- 0.01, P less than 0.001); subsequent cell shrinkage was complete in 2 min (8 +/- 2%, P less than 0.05). Swelling generated by methyl alpha-D-glucoside was prevented by 0.1 mM phloridzin (P less than 0.05). RVD after D-Glc swelling was prevented by inhibitors of K+ channels, 5 mM Ba2+ (P less than 0.001), 100 microM quinine (P less than 0.005), or 25 mM TEA (P less than 0.02), but the same inhibitors completely prevented L-Ala swelling. All inhibitors had no effect on L-Ala uptake into brush-border membrane vesicles in presence of Na+ gradient.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alanine↗
PubMed1996

Electrophysiological properties of neurons in intact rat dorsal root ganglia classified by conduction velocity and action potential duration.

1. L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglia of rats aged 4-5 wk were isolated in vitro with their dorsal roots and sciatic nerves intact. With the use of intracellular microelectrodes, conduction velocity (CV) was determined along both peripheral and central axons and active and passive membrane properties were investigated with the use of a single-electrode switching clamp. 2. Neurons were classified into one of the three subgroups, A alpha/beta, A delta, and C, on the basis of a combination of axonal CV and action potential duration. Soma diameters overlapped between these groups. 3. Action potentials elicited by nerve stimulation in all cells and by a somatic current step in A alpha/beta-cells were always blocked by tetrodotoxin (TTX) 0.1-1 microM), whereas somatic action potentials in a proportion of A delta-cells and all C cells were TTX-resistant. 4. Passive electrical properties differed significantly between A alpha/beta-, A delta-, and C cells. The contribution of the additional membrane of the axons to the recorded electrical properties was analyzed with the use of a compartmental model of the neurons (see APPENDIX). 5. Most neurons discharged only a single action potential at the onset of a depolarizing current step, but 33% of A alpha/beta-cells fired repetitively throughout the step. This was associated with a lower threshold for action potential initiation by depolarizing current and a shorter afterhyperpolarization than in other A alpha/beta-cells. 6. Afterhyperpolarizations varied in size and duration between neurons and most were either not or only slightly affected by replacing Ca2+ in the bathing solution with Co2+ or Ba2+ or by adding tetraethylammonium (1 and 10 mM). Outward tail currents following an active response could be fitted with one fast exponential (time constant = 13 +/- 1 ms, mean +/- SE) and, in 65% of cells, one to three slower time course currents (to which exponentials with time constants of approximately 50, 300, or 1,500 ms could be fitted). A very slow late-onset current (detected in 33% of C cells) resembled a Ca(2+)-dependent K+ conductance described in several other neurons. 7. Voltage transients showed "sag" during maintained hyperpolarizing current steps in 90% of A alpha/beta-cells and 70% of A delta-cells but only 13% of C cells. Time-dependent inward currents were recorded when membrane potential was hyperpolarized. These currents had mean activation time constants of approximately 40 ms at -120 mV and were Cs+ sensitive and Ba2+ insensitive. 8. The proportion of neurons with a transient outward current, IA, increased as CV decreased (36% of A alpha/beta-cells, 56% of A delta-cells, 63% of C cells). Outward currents in cells of all subgroups had either one or two of three inactivation time constants (means approximately 22, 120, and 800 ms). 9. This study shows that many of the electrical characteristics of isolated dorsal root ganglion neurons can be demonstrated in intact ganglia in which the neurons can be better identified functionally. The currents underlying the afterhyperpolarization in these cells are diverse across all subgroups and require further investigation. The electrical effects of retaining the axonal projections of the cells and the use of microelectrodes filled with 0.5 M KC1 are discussed in relation to the differences from data recorded in dissociated neurons.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1983

Stimulative effect of Ba2+ on p-aminohippurate transport in rat kidney cortical slices.

BaCl2 stimulated significantly p-aminohippurate (PAH) accumulation in rat kidney cortical slices. The accumulation, however, was not stimulated by Sr2+, Mn2+ and Mg2+. Pretreatment of the slices with Ba2+ also increased PAH accumulation in the slices during incubation without BaCl2. Kinetical analyses of PAH accumulation showed that the effect of Ba2+ was to increase Vmax. No evidence for the effect of Ba2+ on PAH efflux from the slices was obtained. Thus, evidence indicating that Ba2+ stimulated PAH influx to the kidney cell was presented. Water distribution and energy metabolism in the slices were not related to the stimulative effect of Ba2+ on PAH accumulation. Ba2+ slightly lowered Na+ concentration in the slices. However, in the presence of ouabain, further addition of Ba2+ recovered PAH accumulation to a control value in spite of poor Na+ gradient as compared with that in control slices. Therefore, it is suggested that stimulation of PAH accumulation by Ba2+ was not due to changes in Na+ gradient. No stimulation of tetraethylammonium (TEA), an organic base, transport system by Ba2+ was observed. These data suggest that Ba2+ specifically stimulates the organic acid transport system in rat kidney cortical slices by increasing PAH influx to the cells.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed2005

CT colonography after fecal tagging with a reduced cathartic cleansing and a reduced volume of barium.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to assess the efficacy of fecal tagging with a small volume of barium in combination with a reduced cathartic cleansing before CT colonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study consists of a review of 200 patients examined in a clinical setting. Conventional colonoscopy and CT colonography or follow-up were used as the gold standard. All patients prepared for CT colonography the day before the examination with a dedicated low-residue diet. Fecal tagging was performed with 50 mL of barium. The residual feces and fluid were evaluated on a segmental basis. The residual feces was divided in two categories (< 6 mm and > or = 6 mm). The amount of fluid was assessed on the axial slices. The efficacy of tagging was evaluated visually. RESULTS: For the study, 1,200 segments were evaluated. Residual feces was present in 413 segments (34.41%), with feces less than 6 mm in 210 segments (17.5%) and feces 6 mm or greater in 203 segments (16.92%). There was residual fluid in 527 segments (43.91%). Nontagged feces 6 mm or greater was present in 49 segments (4.08%) and nontagged fluid in 178 segments (14.83%). All nontagged feces 6 mm or greater was easy to assess. All fluid redistributed with dual positioning. A total of 65 lesions 6 mm or greater were correctly diagnosed on primary CT colonography. In two patients, two lesions adjacent to each other were misinterpreted as being only one. Another 8-mm lesion was missed. CONCLUSION: In the present study, CT colonography after fecal tagging with 50 mL of barium combined with a reduced cathartic cleansing was feasible.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Virtopsy: postmortem minimally invasive angiography using cross section techniques--implementation and preliminary results.

Postmortem investigation is increasingly supported by Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This led to the idea to implement a noninvasive or minimally invasive autopsy technique. Therefore, a minimally invasive angiography technique becomes necessary, in order to support the vascular cross section diagnostic. Preliminary experiments investigating different contrast agents for CT and MRI and their postmortem applicability have been performed using an ex-vivo porcine coronary model. MSCT and MRI angiography was performed in the porcine model. Three human corpses were investigated using minimally invasive MSCT angiography. Via the right femoral artery a plastic tube was advanced into the aortic arch. Using a flow adjustable pump the radiopaque contrast agent meglumine-ioxithalamate was injected. Subsequent MSCT scanning provided an excellent anatomic visualization of the human arterial system including intracranial and coronary arteries. Vascular pathologies such as calcification, stenosis and injury were detected. Limitations of the introduced approach are cases of major vessel injury and cases that show an advanced stage of decay.

Angiography↗