Stimulation of HCO3- transport in isolated proximal bullfrog duodenum by prostaglandins

An in vitro preparation of proximal duodenum from the bullfrog transported alkali into the luminal solution (approximately 1 mueq x h-1 x cm-2) and generated a transepithelial electrical potential difference (5-10 mV, lumen negative). Transport was inhibited by 2,4-dinitrophenol (10(-5) M), CN- (5 X 10(-3) M), indomethacin (5 X 10(-5) M), and acetazolamide (5 X 10(-3) M) indicating that metabolism is required. Both alkali transport and the electrical potential difference showed a dose-dependent increase on administration of the prostaglandins E2, 16,16-dimethyl E2, and F2 alpha. The minimal concentration stimulating transport was lower with the E-type prostaglandins (10(-8) M than with F2 alpha (10(-6) M), and the former also produced greater maximal responses. In addition to metabolic-dependent transport of alkali, there was passive transmucosal migration of HCO3-, amounting to approximately 40% of basal (unstimulated) transport and sensitive to variation of the transmucosal hydrostatic pressure. Morphological examination showed that the preparation is devoid of Brunner glands. Stimulation of duodenal epithelial HCO3- transport by prostaglandins may contribute to their previously demonstrated ability to prevent duodenal ulceration.