Sulfate transport in human lung fibroblasts (IMR-90)

Sulfate transport in a fibroblast cell line derived from human lung (IMR-90) occurred mainly via high- and low-affinity, SITS-sensitive pathways and to a lesser extent by an SITS-insensitive mechanism. In low-ionic-strength media (sucrose substituted for salts) the apparent Km of the carrier-mediated sulfate influx was 1 mM. At 0.3 mM, the sulfate concentration normally found in human serum, the contribution of the SITS-insensitive pathway was negligible. In physiological salts solution, an SITS-sensitive, high-affinity (Km 34 +/- 14 microM) sulfate influx system was observed at extracellular sulfate concentrations less than 100 microM. Between 100 and 500 microM sulfate, the range normally found in human serum, sulfate influx occurred via an SITS-sensitive, low-affinity pathway and to a small extent by an SITS-insensitive mechanism. Extracellular chloride inhibited the influx and stimulated the efflux of sulfate. Bicarbonate and thiosulfate inhibited sulfate influx but had no effect on sulfate efflux. Phosphate, arsenate, or Na+ did not affect sulfate uptake. These results indicate that in human lung fibroblast IMR-90 cells sulfate is transported mainly via an SO4(2-)/Cl- exchange system independent of the phosphate or Na+ transport. Since sulfate concentration as high as 50 mM only slightly increased sulfate efflux, SO4(2-)/SO4(2-) exchange is probably a minor component of sulfate uptake.