Aspects of electrolyte transport across isolated dog retinal pigment epithelium

Transport of Na and Cl across the isolated dog retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) choroid was investigated. Under the short-circuit condition, a net Na flux was observed from choroid to retina and a net Cl flux was determined in the opposite direction. The current created by the net flux of these two ions was larger than the short-circuit current (SCC). Addition of 10(-5) M ouabain to the apical side inhibited net fluxes of both Na and Cl, whereas it reduced the SCC 84%. Addition of 10(-4) M furosemide to the apical side inhibited net Cl flux but had no effect on the net Na transport. The 10(-4) M furosemide reduced the SCC 38%. These drugs had no effect when applied to the basal side. Thus the transport of both Na and Cl depends on the Na-K-ATPase in the apical membrane of the dog RPE. A furosemide-sensitive neutral carrier at the apical membrane is suggested for the transport of Cl. Replacement of HCO3 with SO4 in the bathing solution caused an increase in the SCC, indicating the choroid-to-retina movement of HCO3 across the short-circuited dog RPE choroid.