[Effect of Sei-hai-to on ion transport in airway epithelial cells]

The effect of Sei-hai-to on ion transport in airway epithelial cells and its mechanism of action were investigated. Measurement of short-circuit current (Isc) using cultured epithelial cells from canine tracheal mucosa under short-circuit conditions showed that Isc was dose-dependently increased by the submucosal administration of Sei-hai-to. The response of Isc to this drug was not affected by pretreatment the cells with amiloride, but abolished by furosemide, or Cl-free condition. These results suggest that Sei-hai-to stimulates Cl ion transport selectively and may affect the subsequent movement of water across the airway mucosa to the lumen.