Biomaterial Database

Potassium transport of the frog retinal pigment epithelium: autoregulation of potassium activity in the subretinal space. 1986

M la Cour, and H Lund-Andersen, and T Zeuthen

The K+ transport of the isolated retinal pigment epithelium from the bull-frog was studied using micropuncture with double-barrelled ion-selective micro-electrodes. Transient changes of intracellular values of electrical potential and K+ activity were monitored in response to abrupt changes in the K+ concentration on the retinal side of the tissue. The data were interpreted in terms of a simple three-compartment model of the epithelium in which the retinal (or apical) and choroidal (or basal) membranes separate the cellular compartment from the retinal and choroidal compartments. K+ transport across the retinal membrane was described by an active ouabain-sensitive K+ influx in parallel with a passive electrodiffusive K+ efflux. In steady state under control conditions, the active K+ influx (pump rate) averaged 0.18 X 10(-9) mol cm-2 s-1. The electrodiffusive K+ efflux was described by a K+ permeability, which in steady state under control conditions averaged 1.7 X 10(-5) cm s-1. K+ transport across the choroidal membrane was described as purely electrodiffusive. In steady state under control conditions, the K+ permeability of the choroidal membrane averaged 0.6 X 10(-5) cm s-1. When the K+ concentration on the retinal side of the tissue was increased from its control value, the K+ permeability of the retinal membrane decreased and the K+ permeability of the choroidal membrane increased. This caused the epithelium to attain a new steady state in which the cells transported K+ away from the retinal compartment at a high rate. When the K+ concentration on the retinal side of the tissue was decreased from its control value, the K+ permeability of the retinal membrane increased and the pump rate decreased. This caused the epithelial cells to transport K+ from the cellular compartment into the retinal compartment. In effect, the K+ transport of the retinal pigment epithelium depends on the K+ concentration in the retinal compartment in such a way as to keep variations in this concentration at a minimum.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007473	Ion Channels	Gated, ion-selective glycoproteins that traverse membranes. The stimulus for ION CHANNEL GATING can be due to a variety of stimuli such as LIGANDS, a TRANSMEMBRANE POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE, mechanical deformation or through INTRACELLULAR SIGNALING PEPTIDES AND PROTEINS.	Membrane Channels,Ion Channel,Ionic Channel,Ionic Channels,Membrane Channel,Channel, Ion,Channel, Ionic,Channel, Membrane,Channels, Ion,Channels, Ionic,Channels, Membrane
D008564	Membrane Potentials	The voltage differences across a membrane. For cellular membranes they are computed by subtracting the voltage measured outside the membrane from the voltage measured inside the membrane. They result from differences of inside versus outside concentration of potassium, sodium, chloride, and other ions across cells' or ORGANELLES membranes. For excitable cells, the resting membrane potentials range between -30 and -100 millivolts. Physical, chemical, or electrical stimuli can make a membrane potential more negative (hyperpolarization), or less negative (depolarization).	Resting Potentials,Transmembrane Potentials,Delta Psi,Resting Membrane Potential,Transmembrane Electrical Potential Difference,Transmembrane Potential Difference,Difference, Transmembrane Potential,Differences, Transmembrane Potential,Membrane Potential,Membrane Potential, Resting,Membrane Potentials, Resting,Potential Difference, Transmembrane,Potential Differences, Transmembrane,Potential, Membrane,Potential, Resting,Potential, Transmembrane,Potentials, Membrane,Potentials, Resting,Potentials, Transmembrane,Resting Membrane Potentials,Resting Potential,Transmembrane Potential,Transmembrane Potential Differences
D008954	Models, Biological	Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of biological processes or diseases. For disease models in living animals, DISEASE MODELS, ANIMAL is available. Biological models include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment.	Biological Model,Biological Models,Model, Biological,Models, Biologic,Biologic Model,Biologic Models,Model, Biologic
D010042	Ouabain	A cardioactive glycoside consisting of rhamnose and ouabagenin, obtained from the seeds of Strophanthus gratus and other plants of the Apocynaceae; used like DIGITALIS. It is commonly used in cell biological studies as an inhibitor of the NA(+)-K(+)-EXCHANGING ATPASE.	Acocantherin,G-Strophanthin,Acolongifloroside K,G Strophanthin
D010857	Pigment Epithelium of Eye	The layer of pigment-containing epithelial cells in the RETINA; the CILIARY BODY; and the IRIS in the eye.	Eye Pigment Epithelium
D011188	Potassium	An element in the alkali group of metals with an atomic symbol K, atomic number 19, and atomic weight 39.10. It is the chief cation in the intracellular fluid of muscle and other cells. Potassium ion is a strong electrolyte that plays a significant role in the regulation of fluid volume and maintenance of the WATER-ELECTROLYTE BALANCE.
D011892	Rana catesbeiana	A species of the family Ranidae (true frogs). The only anuran properly referred to by the common name "bullfrog", it is the largest native anuran in North America.	Bullfrog,Bullfrogs,Rana catesbeianas,catesbeiana, Rana
D012160	Retina	The ten-layered nervous tissue membrane of the eye. It is continuous with the OPTIC NERVE and receives images of external objects and transmits visual impulses to the brain. Its outer surface is in contact with the CHOROID and the inner surface with the VITREOUS BODY. The outer-most layer is pigmented, whereas the inner nine layers are transparent.	Ora Serrata
D002463	Cell Membrane Permeability	A quality of cell membranes which permits the passage of solvents and solutes into and out of cells.	Permeability, Cell Membrane
D006706	Homeostasis	The processes whereby the internal environment of an organism tends to remain balanced and stable.	Autoregulation