Ionic and pharmacologic characteristics of epithelial cells in a semi-intact preparation of the rat ventral prostate gland.
BACKGROUND
The essential ionic and pharmacologic characteristics of epithelial cells within the ducts of the prostate gland are not well known.


METHODS
Experiments were carried out on segments of ventral prostate glands from adult male rats. By using sharp microelectrodes, intracellular epithelial cell and transepithelial (lumen) potentials were recorded in response to ionic substitution and application of ion channel blockers, hormones, and other pharmacologic agents related to prostatic function.


RESULTS
Membrane permeabilities to K(+), Na(+), and Cl(-) were found to account for approximately 43% of the resting membrane potential, whereas some 39% was likely to be metabolic in origin. The membrane potential also responded to adrenaline, acetylcholine, insulin, prolactin, testosterone, nerve growth factor, and nitric oxide. The lumen potential was found to be particularly sensitive to citrate, prolactin, and testosterone.


CONCLUSIONS
It was concluded that the basal membrane potential of prostatic epithelial cells is associated with a relatively high Na(+):K(+) permeability ratio and metabolic dependence. The hormonal and pharmacologic sensitivity observed is consistent with the functional characteristics of the prostate gland.
Mycielska
Maria E
ME
Department of Biological Sciences, Neuroscience Solutions to Cancer Research Group, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
Szatkowski
Marek
M
Djamgoz
Mustafa B A
MB
D000818:Animals; D002712:Chlorides / Q000378:metabolism*; D046508:Culture Techniques; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D010539:Permeability; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism*; D011467:Prostate / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism*
D002712:Chlorides; D012964:Sodium; D011188:Potassium