In:
American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology, American Physiological Society, Vol. 291, No. 6 ( 2006-12), p. L1207-L1219
Abstract:
In a recent study (Leroy C, Dagenais A, Berthiaume Y, and Brochiero E. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 286: L1027–L1037, 2004), we identified an ATP-sensitive K + (K ATP ) channel in alveolar epithelial cells, formed by inwardly rectifying K + channel Kir6.1/sulfonylurea receptor (SUR)2B subunits. We found that short applications of K ATP , voltage-dependent K + channel KvLQT1, and calcium-activated K + (K Ca ) channel modulators modified Na + and Cl − currents in alveolar monolayers. In addition, it was shown previously that a K ATP opener increased alveolar liquid clearance in human lungs by a mechanism possibly related to epithelial sodium channels (ENaC). We therefore hypothesized that prolonged treatment with K + channel modulators could induce a sustained regulation of ENaC activity and/or expression. Alveolar monolayers were treated for 24 h with inhibitors of K ATP , KvLQT1, and K Ca channels identified by PCR. Glibenclamide and clofilium (K ATP and KvLQT1 inhibitors) strongly reduced basal transepithelial current, amiloride-sensitive Na + current, and forskolin-activated Cl − currents, whereas pinacidil, a K ATP activator, increased them. Interestingly, K + inhibitors or membrane depolarization (induced by valinomycin in high-K + medium) decreased α-, β-, and γ-ENaC and CFTR mRNA. α-ENaC and CFTR proteins also declined after glibenclamide or clofilium treatment. Conversely, pinacidil augmented ENaC and CFTR mRNAs and proteins. Since alveolar fluid transport was found to be driven, at least in part, by Na + transport through ENaC, we tested the impact of K + channel modulators on fluid absorption across alveolar monolayers. We found that glibenclamide and clofilium reduced fluid absorption to a level similar to that seen in the presence of amiloride, whereas pinacidil slightly enhanced it. Long-term regulation of ENaC and CFTR expression by K + channel activity could benefit patients with pulmonary diseases affecting ion transport and fluid clearance.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1040-0605
,
1522-1504
DOI:
10.1152/ajplung.00376.2005
Language:
English
Publisher:
American Physiological Society
Publication Date:
2006
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1477300-4
SSG:
12
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