scholarly journals Short-term stimulation of Na+-dependent amino acid transport by dibutyryl cyclic AMP in hepatocytes. Characteristics and partial mechanism

1987 ◽  
Vol 241 (3) ◽  
pp. 737-743 ◽  
Author(s):  
S K Moule ◽  
N M Bradford ◽  
J D McGivan

The short-term protein-synthesis-independent stimulation of alanine transport in hepatocytes was further investigated. Cyclic AMP increased the Vmax. of alanine transport. Amino acid transport via systems A, ASC and N was stimulated. A good correlation was found between the initial rate of transport and the cell membrane potential as calculated from the distribution of Cl-. Cyclic AMP increased the rate of alanine transport, stimulated Na+/K+ ATPase (Na+/K+-transporting ATPase) activity and caused membrane hyperpolarization. The time courses and cyclic AMP dose-dependencies of all three effects were similar. Ouabain abolished the effect of cyclic AMP on Cl- distribution and on transport of alanine. The effect of cyclic AMP on alanine transport and Cl- distribution was mimicked by the antibiotic nigericin; the effect of nigericin was also abolished by ouabain. It is concluded that the effect of cyclic AMP on transport is mediated via membrane hyperpolarization. It is suggested that the primary action of cyclic AMP is to increase the activity of an electroneutral Na+/K+-exchange system in the liver cell plasma membrane, thus hyperpolarizing the membrane by stimulating the electrogenic Na+/K+ ATPase.

1982 ◽  
Vol 100 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-142
Author(s):  
Nila Oza ◽  
Sarah J. Meanock ◽  
A. G. Davies

Abstract. Groups of immature mice were injected sc with radiocarbon-labelled alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) after being given a single sc injection of hFSH or of 0.9% saline. As an index of the transport of AIB, the specific activity of isotope was measured in homogenates of testis and of liver. FSH treatment caused statistically significant increases in the specific activity of isotope in the testes and in the ratio of testicular to liver specific activity. The effect was greatest in 9-day-old mice injected with FSH 16 h before removal of the testes. Uptake of labelled AIB was not stimulated after administration of hCG or testosterone. Doses of cycloheximide sufficient to reduce the rate of protein synthesis by over 99% did not impair testicular uptake of labelled AIB or the influence of FSH on AIB uptake. These results suggest that FSH stimulates amino acid transport into cells of the immature testis and that this action is independent of the stimulatory effect of FSH on testicular protein synthesis.


2001 ◽  
Vol 280 (3) ◽  
pp. R612-R622
Author(s):  
Virtudes Medina ◽  
Antonio Lorenzo ◽  
Mario Dı́az

l-Alanine transport across the isolated duodenal mucosa of the lizard Gallotia galloti has been studied in Ussing chambers under short-circuit conditions. Net l-alanine fluxes, transepithelial potential difference (PD), and short-circuit current ( Isc) showed concentration-dependent relationships. Na+-dependent l-alanine transport was substantially inhibited by the analog α-methyl aminoisobutyric acid (MeAIB). Likewise, MeAIB fluxes were completely inhibited byl-alanine, indicating the presence of system A for neutral amino acid transport. System A transport activity was electrogenic and exhibited hyperbolic relationships for net MeAIB fluxes, PD, and Isc, which displayed similar apparent K m values. Na+-dependentl-alanine transport, but not MeAIB transport, was partially inhibited by l-serine and l-cysteine, indicating the participation of system ASC. This transport activity represents the major pathway for l-alanine absorption and seemed to operate in an electroneutral mode with a negligible contribution to the l-alanine-induced electrogenicity. It is concluded from the present study that the active Na+-dependent l-alanine transport across the isolated duodenal mucosa of Gallotia galloti results from the independent activity of systems A and ASC for neutral amino acid transport.


1985 ◽  
Vol 231 (2) ◽  
pp. 315-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Fafournoux ◽  
C Rémésy ◽  
C Demigné

The effect of amino acids, in concentrations corresponding to those found in the portal vein of rats given a high-protein diet, was investigated on the activity of system A amino acid transport in hepatocytes from fed rats. Amino acids counteracted the induction of system A by insulin or glucagon. This effect was observed at all concentrations of hormones tested, up to 1 microM. Amino acids did not affect the basal cyclic AMP concentration in hepatocytes, or the large rise in cyclic AMP elicited by glucagon. The reversal of system-A induction was observed at relatively low concentration of amino acids, corresponding to plasma values reported in rats given a basal diet. Amino acids were separately tested: substrates of system A were particularly efficient, but so were glutamine and histidine. Non-metabolizable substrates of system A, such as 2-aminoisobutyrate, were also inhibitory, suggesting that a part of the effect of amino acids is independent of their cellular metabolism. Provision of additional energy substrates such as lactate and oleate did not affect induction of system A or the inhibitory effects of amino acids. Thus amino acids do not act by serving as an energy source and by maintaining the integrity of hepatocytes. Inhibition of mRNA synthesis by actinomycin practically abolished the effect of amino acids on the induction of system A by glucagon. The results suggest that amino acids may promote the synthesis of protein(s) affecting the activity of system A either directly at the carrier unit or at an intermediate stage of its emergence.


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