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Use of ionophores in epithelia: characterizing membrane properties
Abstract:
In this chapter we have described the use of antibiotics for studying epithelial membrane resistances and permeabilities, as well as active and passive transport processes. We placed particular emphasis on sources of artifacts that could result in erroneous determination of any of the above parameters, as well as methods for assessing such artifacts (where possible). Although the number of possible artifacts seems large, it is not our intention to dissuade researchers from using this probe of epithelial function, but rather to point out how data might be incorrectly interpreted.
Insights
This chapter details using antibiotics to study epithelial transport and membrane properties. It highlights potential artifacts and assessment methods to ensure accurate interpretation of epithelial function data.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antibiotics are valuable tools for investigating epithelial membrane properties.
- Understanding active and passive transport processes is crucial in epithelial research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the application of antibiotics in studying epithelial membrane resistances and permeabilities.
- To emphasize potential artifacts and their assessment in determining epithelial transport parameters.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing antibiotics to probe epithelial membrane resistances.
- Analyzing active and passive transport processes across epithelial membranes.
- Identifying and assessing sources of experimental artifacts.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the utility of antibiotics in characterizing epithelial function.
- Detailed common artifacts that can lead to erroneous data interpretation.
- Provided methods for artifact assessment in epithelial studies.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotics are effective for studying epithelial transport.
- Awareness of and methods for assessing artifacts are essential for reliable results.
- Proper interpretation of antibiotic-based data ensures accurate understanding of epithelial function.