Expression of acid-sensing ion channels in intestinal epithelial cells and their role in the regulation of duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion.

AIMS

As little is currently known about acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) in intestinal epithelial cells, the aims of the present study were to investigate the expression and function of ASICs in intestinal epithelial cells, particularly their physiological role in the acid-stimulated duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion (DMBS).

METHODS

RT-PCR and digital Ca²(+) imaging were used to determine the expression and function of ASICs in HT29 cells and SCBN cells, intestinal epithelial crypt cell lines. The acid-stimulated DMBS was measured in C57 black mice in vivo to study the role of ASICs in this physiological process.

RESULTS

ASIC1a mRNA expression was detected in the duodenal mucosa stripped from mice and epithelial cell lines, in which cytoplasmic free Ca²(+) (Ca²(+) ) in response to extracellular acidosis was also increased. In Ca²(+) -containing solutions, acidosis (pH 6.0-5.0) raised Ca²(+) in both HT29 cells and SCBN cells in a similar pH-dependent manner. Acidosis-induced increase in Ca²(+) was markedly inhibited by amiloride (an ASICs blocker), SK&F96365 (a blocker for non-selective cation channels), or in Ca²(+) -free solutions; but was abolished by amiloride in Ca²(+) -free solutions. However, acidosis-induced increase in Ca²(+) was slightly affected by U73122 (a PLC inhibitor), or nifedipine (a voltage-gated Ca²(+) channel blocker). After acidosis raised Ca²(+) , stimulation of purinergic receptors with ATP further increased Ca²(+) , but acidosis-induced increase in Ca²(+) was not altered by suramin. Moreover, acid-stimulated murine DMBS was significantly attenuated by amiloride.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, ASICs are functionally expressed in intestinal epithelial cells, and may play a role in acid-stimulated DMBS through a Ca²(+) signalling pathway.