Bioelectric properties of cultured epithelial monolayers from distal lung of 18-day fetal rat.

In vivo studies of fetal sheep suggest that the liquid present in the lumen of the lung throughout fetal life is derived from Cl- secretion by the pulmonary epithelium. Monolayer preparations of enriched epithelial cells from distal fetal rat (18-day gestation) lung, grown in serum-free media, were histologically similar to acinar (prealveolar) structures of fresh tissue. In Ussing chambers, basal transepithelial potential difference (PD), calculated equivalent short-circuit current (Ieq), and transepithelial resistance (R) were 4.4 +/- 0.3 mV (matrix positive), 35.6 +/- 1.6 microA/cm2, and 120.0 +/- 4.0 omega cm2, respectively. Ouabain (10(-3) M) eliminated 57% of basal Ieq within 30 min, amiloride (10(-4) M) induced a 13% fall in Ieq, and phlorizin (10(-4) M) had no effect on bioelectric properties. Diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC, 3 x 10(-3) M) inhibited Ieq by 50%. Bumetanide had no effect on baseline bioelectric parameters. The hyperpolarization that accompanied apical or bilateral replacement of Cl- and was enhanced by terbutaline suggested an apical Cl- permselectivity. Effects of Na+ replacement on amiloride-pretreated monolayers were consistent with Na(+)-dependent Cl- secretion or amiloride-insensitive pathways. Under these growth conditions, this preparation exhibits bioelectric characteristics that are compatible with Cl- secretion and Na+ absorption. The mechanism of Cl- secretion may be similar to that of airways but is uniquely bumetanide insensitive.