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Active electrolyte transport in mammalian buccal mucosa
R C Orlando1, N A Tobey, V J Schreiner
1Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill 27514.
The American Journal of Physiology
|September 1, 1988
Summary
The buccal mucosa in humans and animals exhibits a significant electrical potential difference (PD), primarily driven by active sodium absorption. This finding highlights the mucosa's role in electrolyte transport.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Biophysics
Background:
- The transmural electrical potential difference (PD) across the buccal mucosa is a key physiological parameter.
- Understanding the mechanisms underlying buccal PD is crucial for comprehending oral tissue function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the in vivo electrical potential difference (PD) across the buccal mucosa in humans and various animal models.
- To investigate the underlying mechanisms of PD generation in dog buccal mucosa using Ussing chambers.
Main Methods:
- In vivo measurement of transmural electrical potential difference (PD).
- Ussing chamber experiments on dog buccal mucosa to assess short-circuit current (Isc), resistance, and ion fluxes.
- Pharmacological manipulation with amiloride and ouabain to probe ion transport pathways.
Main Results:
- Consistent negative PD values were observed across species (humans, dogs, rabbits, hamsters).
- Dog buccal mucosa demonstrated a high electrical resistance, indicative of a 'tight' tissue.
- Short-circuit current (Isc) was primarily driven by active sodium absorption via amiloride-sensitive apical channels and Na+-K+-ATPase-dependent basolateral exit.
Conclusions:
- Buccal mucosa actively transports electrolytes, contributing significantly to the generation of the in vivo electrical potential difference (PD).
- The findings elucidate the physiological role of buccal mucosa in maintaining ion homeostasis.