Electrophysiology ofNecturus urinary bladder: II. Time-dependent current-voltage relations of the basolateral membranes

Abstract

As reported previously (S.R. Thomas et al.,J. Membrane Biol. 73:157–175, 1983) the current-voltage (I–V) relations of the Na-entry step across the apical membrane of short-circuitedNecturus urinary bladder in the presence of varying mucosal Na concentrations are (i) time-independent between 20–90 msec and (ii) conform to the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz constant field flux equation for a single cation over a wide range of voltages. In contrast, theI–V relations of the basolateral membrane under these conditions are (i) essentially linear between the steady-state, short-circuited condition and the reversal potential (E ^s ); and (ii) are decidedly time-dependent withE ^s increasing and the slope conductance,E ^s , decreasing between 20 and 90 msec after displacing the transepithelial electrical potential difference. Evidence is presented that this time-dependence cannot be attributed entirely to the electrical capacitance of the tissue. The values ofg ^s determined at 20 msec are linear functions of the short-circuit current,I _sc, confirming the relations reported previously, which were obtained using a more indirect approach. The values ofE ^s determined at 20 msec are significantly lower than any reasonable estimate of the electromotive force for K across the basolateral membrane, indicating that this barrier possesses a significant conductance to other ions which may exceed that to K. In addition, these values increase linearly with decreasingI _sc and approach the value of the electrical potential difference across the basolateral membrane observed when Na entry across the apical membrane is blocked with amiloride or when Na is removed from the mucosal solution. A possible explanation for the time-dependence ofE ^s andg ^s is offered and the implications of these findings regarding the interpretation of previous microelectrophysiologic studies of epithelia are discussed.