Distal colonic K(+) secretion occurs via BK channels.
K(+) secretion in the kidney and distal colon is a main determinant of K(+) homeostasis. This study investigated the identity of the relevant luminal secretory K(+) ion channel in distal colon. An Ussing chamber was used to measure ion transport in the recently generated BK channel-deficient (BK(-/-)) mice. BK(-/-) mice display a significant colonic epithelial phenotype with (1) lack of Ba(2+)-sensitive resting K(+) secretion, (2) absence of K(+) secretion stimulated by luminal P2Y(2) and P2Y(4) receptors, (3) absence of luminal Ca(2+) ionophore (A23187)-stimulated K(+) secretion, (4) reduced K(+) and increased Na(+) contents in feces, and (5) an increased colonic Na(+) absorption. In contrast, resting and uridine triphosphate (UTP)-stimulated K(+) secretion was not altered in mice that were deficient for the intermediate conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel SK4. BK channels localize to the luminal membrane of crypt, and reverse transcription-PCR results confirm the expression of the BK channel alpha-subunit in isolated distal colonic crypts. It is concluded that BK channels are the responsible K(+) channels for resting and stimulated Ca(2+)-activated K(+) secretion in mouse distal colon.
Sausbier
Matthias
M
Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Pharmazeutisches Institut, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
Matos
Joana E
JE
Sausbier
Ulrike
U
Beranek
Golo
G
Arntz
Claudia
C
Neuhuber
Winfried
W
Ruth
Peter
P
Leipziger
Jens
J
D000818:Animals; D003106:Colon / Q000378:metabolism*; D015640:Ion Channel Gating / Q000502:physiology*; D017136:Ion Transport / Q000502:physiology; D051036:Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism*
D051036:Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels; D011188:Potassium