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Implementing Patch Clamp and Live Fluorescence Microscopy to Monitor Functional Properties of Freshly Isolated PKD Epithelium
Published on: September 1, 2015
In vitro fluid secretion by epithelium from polycystic kidneys
J J Grantham1, M Ye, V H Gattone
1Department of Medicine, Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City 66160.
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) kidney cyst growth is due to fluid accumulation. ADPKD cells can absorb or secrete fluid, with cAMP-mediated secretion potentially driven by anion transport.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Physiology
Background:
- Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by kidney enlargement due to fluid-filled cysts.
- Understanding the mechanisms of cyst fluid secretion is crucial for ADPKD research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transepithelial fluid movement in isolated human ADPKD kidney cysts and cultured ADPKD epithelial cells.
- To determine the role of cyclic AMP (cAMP) and ion transport in ADPKD cyst fluid secretion.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of net transepithelial liquid movement in isolated ADPKD cysts and cultured ADPKD monolayers.
- Stimulation with forskolin (cAMP activator) and ouabain (Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitor).
- Measurement of intracellular cAMP levels, transepithelial electrical potential difference (PDte), short-circuit current (SCC), and tissue resistance (Rte).
Main Results:
- Forskolin stimulated fluid secretion in excised ADPKD cysts.
- Cultured ADPKD monolayers showed both fluid absorption and secretion, with forskolin inducing secretion.
- Ouabain inhibited fluid secretion when present in the basolateral medium, suggesting active solute transport.
- Forskolin increased intracellular cAMP and SCC, while decreasing Rte, indicating active fluid transport pathways.
Conclusions:
- ADPKD cells in surface cysts possess the capacity for both fluid absorption and secretion.
- cAMP-mediated fluid secretion into ADPKD cysts may be driven by anion transport across the basolateral membrane.
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