Cyclic adenosine monophosphate regulation of ion transport in porcine vocal fold mucosae.
OBJECTIVE
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is an important biological molecule that regulates ion transport and inflammatory responses in epithelial tissue. The present study examined whether the adenylyl cyclase activator, forskolin, would increase cAMP concentration in porcine vocal fold mucosa and whether the effects of increased cAMP would be manifested as a functional increase in transepithelial ion transport. Additionally, changes in cAMP concentrations following exposure to an inflammatory mediator, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) were investigated.


METHODS
In vitro experimental design with matched treatment and control groups.


METHODS
Porcine vocal fold mucosae (N = 30) and tracheal mucosae (N = 20) were exposed to forskolin, TNFalpha, or vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide) treatment. cAMP concentrations were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ion transport was measured using electrophysiological techniques.


RESULTS
Thirty minute exposure to forskolin significantly increased cAMP concentration and ion transport in porcine vocal fold and tracheal mucosae. However, 30-minute and 2-hour exposure to TNFalpha did not significantly alter cAMP concentration.


CONCLUSIONS
We demonstrate that forskolin-sensitive adenylyl cyclase is present in vocal fold mucosa, and further, that the product, cAMP increases vocal fold ion transport. The results presented here contribute to our understanding of the intracellular mechanisms underlying vocal fold ion transport. As ion transport is important for maintaining superficial vocal fold hydration, data demonstrating forskolin-stimulated ion transport in vocal fold mucosa suggest opportunities for developing pharmacological treatments that increase surface hydration.
Sivasankar
Mahalakshmi
M
Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA. msivasankar@purdue.edu
Nofziger
Charity
C
Blazer-Yost
Bonnie
B
D000818:Animals; D005576:Colforsin / Q000494:pharmacology; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D017136:Ion Transport / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D007820:Laryngeal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D013552:Swine; D014132:Trachea / Q000378:metabolism; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000502:physiology*
D005576:Colforsin; D000242:Cyclic AMP