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Updated: May 4, 2026
09:11
In Vitro Apical-Out Enteroid Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Published on: June 8, 2022
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Cell volume regulation and apoptotic volume decrease in rat distal colon superficial enterocytes
Stefania Antico1, Maria Giulia Lionetto, Maria Elena Giordano
1Dept. of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy.
Summary
Rat colonocytes regulate cell volume and apoptosis. High conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BK channels) are key for volume decrease during apoptosis and regulate its progression.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The colon epithelium faces osmotic stress, necessitating cell volume regulation for colonocyte health.
- Colonocytes exhibit high apoptosis rates, balancing stem cell proliferation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate cell volume regulation mechanisms in rat colon surface colonocytes.
- Determine the role of these mechanisms in colonocyte apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Measured cell volume changes using light microscopy and video imaging on colon explants.
- Monitored apoptosis using confocal microscopy on annexin V/propidium iodide labeled explants.
Main Results:
- Colonocytes exhibited Regulatory Volume Increase (RVI) and Regulatory Volume Decrease (RVD) responses to osmotic stress.
- RVD was dependent on K+ efflux via BK channels and Ca(2+).
- Apoptotic Volume Decrease (AVD) preceded apoptosis markers and was inhibited by BK channel blockers; iberiotoxin significantly reduced apoptosis progression.
Conclusions:
- K+ efflux through BK channels is the primary mechanism for RVD in rat superficial colonocytes.
- BK channels play a critical role in the Apoptotic Volume Decrease (AVD) process.
- BK channels are crucial regulators of apoptosis progression in colonocytes.
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