Evidence for co-transport of sodium, potassium and chloride in mouse pancreatic islets

1. The presence of a loop diuretic-sensitive co-transport system for Na+, K+ and Cl- was tested in isolated pancreatic islets. 2. Substitution of Cl- with the impermeant anion isethionate or addition of frusemide both reduced the ouabain-resistant islets uptake of 86Rb+ (K+ marker) without affecting the ouabain-sensitive uptake or equilibrium content of 86Rb+. The effects of Cl- substitution and frusemide were overlapping. 3. D-Glucose reduced the ouabain-resistant islets uptake of 86Rb+. This effect was additive to the effect of Cl- substitution or frusemide. 4. Substitution of Cl- with isethionate or addition of frusemide both reduced the efflux of 86Rb+ from the islets. These effects were additive to the reduction of 86Rb+ efflux induced by D-glucose. 5. Substitution of K+ or Na+ with choline reduced the equilibrium content of 36Cl- in the pancreatic islets. 6. These data are compatible with the operation in the pancreatic beta-cells of a loop diuretic-sensitive co-transport system for Na+, K+ and Cl-, that may serve as an inwardly directed Cl- pump.