AJP - Cell Physiology, Vol 249, Issue 5 503-C513, Copyright © 1985 by American Physiological Society
Transepithelial transport of guinea pig gastric mucous cell monolayers
M. Rutten, D. Rattner and W. Silen
Guinea pig gastric mucous epithelial cells were isolated, enriched,
cultured in collagen cups, and put into Ussing chambers for
electrophysiological studies. The cultured mucous cell monolayers, which
retain the morphology of surface cells found in the intact tissue, had a
maximal resistance (R) of 272 +/- 12 omega X cm2 and a potential difference
(PD) of -3.8 +/- 0.4 mV (apical negative) between 4 and 10 days later (n =
33). The current-voltage and conductance-concentration relationships of the
cultures were both nonlinear (n = 12). In addition, NaCl concentration
gradients across the monolayer also gave asymmetrical and nonlinear
dilution potentials, with the side of lower chemical potential always
becoming electrically negative (n = 10). Calculation of the average
Cl(-)-to-Na+ permeability ratio at pH 7.4 was 1.35, indicating a slightly
greater conductance of anions over cations. Amiloride (0.1-1.0 microM) had
no effect on PD or R when given from the apical or basal side (n = 18), but
at higher concentrations (0.1-1.0 mM) there was a decrease in the PD.
4,4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid at 10(-4) M increased R
from the apical side only (n = 14), and acetazolamide at 5 X 10(-4) M
reduced the PD to -0.5 mV (n = 8). Only ouabain at 10(-4) M from the
serosal side was effective in reducing the monolayer PD to zero. This
culture preparation will prove useful for future studies in determining
specific functions for this gastric cell type and how those functions
relate to barrier function in the stomach.
