Apical membrane properties and amiloride binding kinetics of the human descending colon

The apical membrane properties of the isolated human descending colon were characterized by use of current fluctuation analysis methods and microelectrode techniques. The Na+ channel blocker amiloride was used to evaluate apical membrane conductance and the transepithelial short-circuit current (Isc). Amiloride significantly reduced Isc and increased the membrane resistance ratio. At submaximal doses of amiloride in the mucosal bathing solution, fluctuation analysis of the Isc revealed a Lorentzian component in the power-density spectra. The dose-response relationship between amiloride and current noise parameters was consistent with a two-state mechanism of blocker interaction with the channel. The on and off rate constants for the blocker-receptor reactions, the single-channel currents, and the Na+ channel density were estimated and were similar to those from Na+ channels from other so-called tight epithelia. In addition, these studies revealed an amiloride-insensitive conductance in the apical membrane in parallel to the amiloride-blockable Na+ channels. This conductance may be due to potassium ions. If so, the apical membrane properties of the human descending colon may closely resemble those of the rabbit descending colon and rat distal colon.