Lactate transport mechanisms at apical and basolateral membranes of bovine retinal pigment epithelium

Genes Involved in Energy Metabolism Are Differentially Expressed During the Day-Night Cycle in Murine Retinal Pigment Epithelium

Purpose

The functional interaction between photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells is essential for vision. Phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments (POSs) by the RPE follows a circadian pattern; however, it remains unknown whether other RPE processes follow a daily rhythm. Therefore, our aim was to identify RPE processes following a daily rhythm.

Methods

Murine RPE was isolated at Zeitgeber time (ZT) 0, 2, 4, 9, 14, and 19 (n = 5 per time point), after which RNA was isolated and sequenced. Genes with a significant difference in expression between time points (P < 0.05) were subjected to EnrichR pathway analysis to identify daily rhythmic processes.

Results

Pathway enrichment revealed 13 significantly enriched KEGG pathways (P < 0.01), including the metabolic pathway (P = 0.002821). Analysis of the metabolic pathway differentially expressed genes revealed that genes involved in adenosine triphosphate production, glycolysis, glycogenolysis, and glycerophospholipid were low at ZT0 (light onset) and high at ZT19 (night). Genes involved in fatty acid degradation and cholesterol synthesis were high at light onset and low at night.

Conclusions

Our transcriptome data suggest that the highest energy demand of RPE cells is at night, whereas POS phagocytosis and degradation take place in the morning. Furthermore, we identified genes involved in fatty acid and glycerophospholipid synthesis that are upregulated at night, possibly playing a role in generating building blocks for membrane synthesis.

Effects of a monocarboxylate transport 1 inhibitor, AZD3965, on retinal and visual function in the rat

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Inhibition of monocarboxylate transport 1 (MCT1) is of interest in targeting highly glycolytic tumours. However, MCT1 is expressed in retina, and so inhibition of MCT1 could affect retinal function.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

AZD3965, an MCT1 inhibitor selected for clinical development, and two additional MCT1 inhibitors were evaluated for effects on visual acuity in albino (Han Wistar) rats. The effects of AZD3965 on visual acuity and electroretinography (ERG) were further investigated in pigmented (Long-Evans) rats, with dosing for up to 7 days.

KEY RESULTS

All three MCT1 inhibitors reduced visual acuity within 2 h of dosing, suggesting a class effect. The deficit caused by AZD3965 (1,000 mg·kg^-1 p.o. per day for 4 days) in Long Evans rats recovered to pre-dose levels 7 days after cessation of dosing. AZD3965 (50 to 1,000 mg·kg^-1 p.o.) reduced the amplitude of scotopic a- and b-waves, and photopic b-wave of the ERG in a dose-related fashion, within 2 h of dosing. The effects on the scotopic ERG had diminished by Day 7 of dosing, demonstrating partial restoration of function despite continued treatment. Seven days after cessation of dosing at the highest dose tested (1,000 mg·kg^-1 ), there was recovery of both scotopic a- and b- waves and, to a lesser extent, photopic b-wave. ERG was affected at lower plasma exposures than was visual function.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

This study clarifies the role of the MCT1 transporter in retinal function. The monitorability of the functional effects on the retina enabled safe clinical use of AZD3965.

Retinal pigment epithelium in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration and photobiomodulation as a potential therapy?

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) comprises a monolayer of cells located between the neuroretina and the choriocapillaries. The RPE serves several important functions in the eye: formation of the blood-retinal barrier, protection of the retina from oxidative stress, nutrient delivery and waste disposal, ionic homeostasis, phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments, synthesis and release of growth factors, reisomerization of all-trans-retinal during the visual cycle, and establishment of ocular immune privilege. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in developed countries. Dysfunction of the RPE has been associated with the pathogenesis of AMD in relation to increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial destabilization and complement dysregulation. Photobiomodulation or near infrared light therapy which refers to non-invasive irradiation of tissue with light in the far-red to near-infrared light spectrum (630-1000 nm), is an intervention that specifically targets key mechanisms of RPE dysfunction that are implicated in AMD pathogenesis. The current evidence for the efficacy of photobiomodulation in AMD is poor but its safety profile and proposed mechanisms of action motivate further research as a novel therapy for AMD.

Fluid transport by the cornea endothelium is dependent on buffering lactic acid efflux

Maintenance of corneal hydration is dependent on the active transport properties of the corneal endothelium. We tested the hypothesis that lactic acid efflux, facilitated by buffering, is a component of the endothelial fluid pump. Rabbit corneas were perfused with bicarbonate-rich (BR) or bicarbonate-free (BF) Ringer of varying buffering power, while corneal thickness was measured. Perfusate was collected and analyzed for lactate efflux. In BF with no added HEPES, the maximal corneal swelling rate was 30.0 ± 4.1 μm/h compared with 5.2 ± 0.9 μm/h in BR. Corneal swelling decreased directly with [HEPES], such that with 60 mM HEPES corneas swelled at 7.5 ± 1.6 μm/h. Perfusate [lactate] increased directly with [HEPES]. Similarly, reducing the [HCO3 (-)] increased corneal swelling and decreased lactate efflux. Corneal swelling was inversely related to Ringer buffering power (β), whereas lactate efflux was directly related to β. Ouabain (100 μM) produced maximal swelling and reduction in lactate efflux, whereas carbonic anhydrase inhibition and an monocarboxylic acid transporter 1 inhibitor produced intermediate swelling and decreases in lactate efflux. Conversely, 10 μM adenosine reduced the swelling rate to 4.2 ± 0.8 μm/h and increased lactate efflux by 25%. We found a strong inverse relation between corneal swelling and lactate efflux (r = 0.98, P < 0.0001). Introducing lactate in the Ringer transiently increased corneal thickness, reaching a steady state (0 ± 0.6 μm/h) within 90 min. We conclude that corneal endothelial function does not have an absolute requirement for bicarbonate; rather it requires a perfusing solution with high buffering power. This facilitates lactic acid efflux, which is directly linked to water efflux, indicating that lactate flux is a component of the corneal endothelial pump.

Monocarboxylate transporter mediated uptake of moxifloxacin on human retinal pigmented epithelium cells

OBJECTIVES

This work was aim to determine in vitro interaction of moxifloxacin with monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) using a human retinal pigment epithelium cells (ARPE-19).

METHODS

In vitro moxifloxacin uptakes were performed at 37°C across ARPE-19 cells. Concentration-dependent uptake of moxifloxacin was performed to delineate moxifloxacin kinetics with MCT. Effects of MCT substrates, MCT inhibitors, pH and metabolic inhibitors on moxifloxacin uptake were conducted to delineate mechanism of moxifloxacin influx via MCT.

KEY FINDINGS

Moxifloxacin uptake was found to exhibit saturable kinetics (K(m) = 1.56 ± 0.32 μM and V(max) = 0.58 ± 0.16 μM/min/mg protein). Higher uptake of moxifloxacin was observed at acidic pH. MCT substrates such as salicylic acid, ofloxacin and L-lactic acid significantly inhibited the uptake of moxifloxacin. Furthermore, moxifloxacin uptake was significantly reduced in the presence of metabolic and MCT inhibitors. Overall, this study demonstrated an interaction of moxifloxacin with Na⁺ and H⁺-coupled transporter, most likely MCT1.

CONCLUSIONS

Apart from the lipophilicity, we anticipate that lowest vitreal half-life of intravitreal moxifloxacin compared with other fluoroquinolones may be due to its interaction with MCT. This information might be crucial in clinical settings and can be further explored to improve vitreous half-life and therapeutic efficacy of moxifloxacin.

The SLC16A family of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs)--physiology and function in cellular metabolism, pH homeostasis, and fluid transport

The SLC16A family of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) is composed of 14 members. MCT1 through MCT4 (MCTs 1-4) are H(+)-coupled monocarboxylate transporters, MCT8 and MCT10 transport thyroid hormone and aromatic amino acids, while the substrate specificity and function of other MCTs have yet to be determined. The focus of this review is on MCTs 1-4 because their role in lactate transport is intrinsically linked to cellular metabolism in various biological systems, including skeletal muscle, brain, retina, and testis. Although MCTs 1-4 all transport lactate, they differ in their transport kinetics and vary in tissue and subcellular distribution, where they facilitate "lactate-shuttling" between glycolytic and oxidative cells within tissues and across blood-tissue barriers. However, the role of MCTs 1-4 is not confined to cellular metabolism. By interacting with bicarbonate transport proteins and carbonic anhydrases, MCTs participate in the regulation of pH homeostasis and fluid transport in renal proximal tubule and corneal endothelium, respectively. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of MCTs 1-4, linking their cellular distribution to their functions in various parts of the human body, so that we can better understand the physiological roles of MCTs at the systemic level.

ACTA-EVER lecture 2007. The retinal pigment epithelium: friend or foe?

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays an important role in the physiology and pathophysiology of the vertebrate retina. The RPE absorbs fluid from the retinal extracellular space, via a proton-lactate-water co-transport mechanism located in the apical membrane of the epithelium. This mechanism can account for the apparent capability of the RPE to absorb water against an osmotic gradient. RPE cells participate in retinal wound healing. We have created a porcine model of experimental choroidal neovascularization (CNV). In this model, the CNV eventually becomes enveloped by seemingly proliferating RPE cells. By means of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labelling, we studied the proliferation of RPE cells in the porcine eye after experimental posterior pole injury. Surprisingly, we found that only the peripheral RPE cells incorporated the BrdU label, indicating that central injury elicits peripheral RPE proliferation. This might suggest the existence of a peripheral pool of RPE stem cells. RPE cell proliferation plays a role in the pathological wound healing known as proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Antiproliferative agents have been tried to treat this condition but with little success so far. We report on a drug delivery system under development where a prodrug of the antimetabolite 5-fluoro-uracil (5-FU) is suspended in the silicone oil used as a surgical device in the treatment of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). The theoretical advantage of this approach is that it allows for long contact times between therapeutic, and non-toxic, concentrations of 5-FU and the RPE.

Altered visual function in monocarboxylate transporter 3 (Slc16a8) knockout mice

To meet the high-energy demands of photoreceptor cells, the outer retina metabolizes glucose through glycolytic and oxidative pathways, resulting in large-scale production of lactate and CO(2). Mct3, a proton-coupled monocarboxylate transporter, is critically positioned to facilitate transport of lactate and H(+) out of the retina and could therefore play a role in pH and ion homeostasis of the outer retina. Mct3 is preferentially expressed in the basolateral membrane of the retinal pigment epithelium and forms a heteromeric complex with the accessory protein CD147. To examine the physiological role of Mct3 in the retina, we generated mice with a targeted deletion in Mct3 (slc16A8). The overall retinal histology of 4- to 36-wk-old Mct3(-/-) mice appeared normal. In the absence of Mct3, expression of CD147 was lost from the basolateral but not apical RPE. The saturated a-wave amplitude (a(max)) of the scotopic electroretinogram (ERG) was reduced by approximately twofold in Mct3(-/-) mice relative to wild-type mice. A fourfold increase in lactate in the retina suggested a decrease in outer-retinal pH. In single-cell recordings from superfused retinal slices, saturating amplitudes of single rod photocurrents (J(max)) were comparable indicating that Mct3(-/-) mouse photoreceptor cells were inherently healthy. Based on these data, we hypothesize that disruption of Mct3 leads to a potentially reversible decrease in subretinal space pH, thereby reducing the magnitude of the light suppressible photoreceptor current.

Drug transport in corneal epithelium and blood-retina barrier: emerging role of transporters in ocular pharmacokinetics

Corneal epithelium and blood-retina barrier (i.e. retinal capillaries and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)) are the key membranes that regulate the access of xenobiotics into the ocular tissues. Corneal epithelium limits drug absorption from the lacrimal fluid into the anterior chamber after eyedrop administration, whereas blood-retina barrier restricts the entry of drugs from systemic circulation to the posterior eye segment. Like in general pharmacokinetics, the role of transporters has been considered to be quite limited as compared to the passive diffusion of drugs across the membranes. As the functional role of transporters is being revealed it has become evident that the transporters are widely important in pharmacokinetics. This review updates the current knowledge about the transporters in the corneal epithelium and blood-retina barrier and demonstrates that the information is far from complete. We also show that quite many ocular drugs are known to interact with transporters, but the studies about the expression and function of those transporters in the eye are still sparse. Therefore, the transporters probably have greater role in ocular pharmacokinetics than we currently realise.

The retinal pigment epithelium in visual function

Located between vessels of the choriocapillaris and light-sensitive outer segments of the photoreceptors, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) closely interacts with photoreceptors in the maintenance of visual function. Increasing knowledge of the multiple functions performed by the RPE improved the understanding of many diseases leading to blindness. This review summarizes the current knowledge of RPE functions and describes how failure of these functions causes loss of visual function. Mutations in genes that are expressed in the RPE can lead to photoreceptor degeneration. On the other hand, mutations in genes expressed in photoreceptors can lead to degenerations of the RPE. Thus both tissues can be regarded as a functional unit where both interacting partners depend on each other.

The human tumour suppressor gene SLC5A8 expresses a Na+-monocarboxylate cotransporter

The orphan cotransport protein expressed by the SLC5A8 gene has been shown to play a role in controlling the growth of colon cancers, and the silencing of this gene is a common and early event in human colon neoplasia. We expressed this protein in Xenopus laevis oocytes and have found that it transports small monocarboxylic acids. The electrogenic activity of the cotransporter, which we have named SMCT (sodium monocarboxylate transporter), was dependent on external Na(+) and was compatible with a 3 : 1 stoichiometry between Na(+) and monocarboxylates. A portion of the SMCT-mediated current was also Cl(-) dependent, but Cl(-) was not cotransported. SMCT transports a variety of monocarboxylates (similar to unrelated monocarboxylate transport proteins) and most transported monocarboxylates demonstrated K(m) values near 100 microm, apart from acetate and d-lactate, for which the protein showed less affinity. SMCT was strongly inhibited by 1 mm probenecid or ibuprofen. In the absence of external substrate, a Na(+)-independent leak current was also observed to pass through SMCT. SMCT activity was strongly inhibited after prolonged exposure to high external concentrations of monocarboxylates. The transport of monocarboxylates in anionic form was confirmed by the observation of a concomitant alkalinization of the cytosol. SMCT, being expressed in colon and kidney, represents a novel means by which Na(+), short-chain fatty acids and other monocarboxylates are transported in these tissues. The significance of a Na(+)-monocarboxylate transporter to colon cancer presumably stems from the transport of butyrate, which is well known for having anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing activity in colon epithelial cells.

P2 purinoceptors regulate calcium-activated chloride and fluid transport in 31EG4 mammary epithelia

It has been reported that secretory mammary epithelial cells (MEC) release ATP, UTP, and UDP upon mechanical stimulation. Here we examined the physiological changes caused by ATP/UTP in nontransformed, clonal mouse mammary epithelia (31EG4 cells). In control conditions, transepithelial potential (apical side negative) and resistance were -4.4 +/- 1.3 mV (mean +/- SD, n = 12) and 517.7 +/- 39.4 Omega. cm(2), respectively. The apical membrane potential was -43.9 +/- 1.7 mV, and the ratio of apical to basolateral membrane resistance (R(A)/R(B)) was 3.5 +/- 0.2. Addition of ATP or UTP to the apical or basolateral membranes caused large voltage and resistance changes with an EC(50) of approximately 24 microM (apical) and approximately 30 microM (basal). Apical ATP/UTP (100 microM) depolarized apical membrane potential by 17.6 +/- 0.8 mV (n = 7) and decreased R(A)/R(B) by a factor of approximately 3. The addition of adenosine to either side (100 microM) had no effect on any of these parameters. The ATP/UTP responses were partially inhibited by DIDS and suramin and mediated by a transient increase in free intracellular Ca(2+) concentration (427 +/- 206 nM; 15-25 microM ATP, apical; n = 6). This Ca(2+) increase was blocked by cyclopiazonic acid, by BAPTA, or by xestospongin C. 31EG4 MEC monolayers also secreted or absorbed fluid in the resting state, and ATP or UTP increased fluid secretion by 5.6 +/- 3 microl x cm(-2) x h(-1) (n = 10). Pharmacology experiments indicate that 31EG4 epithelia contain P2Y(2) purinoceptors on the apical and basolateral membranes, which upon activation stimulate apical Ca(2+)-dependent Cl channels and cause fluid secretion across the monolayer. This suggests that extracellular nucleotides could play a fundamental role in mammary gland paracrine signaling and the regulation of milk composition in vivo.

Cotransport of H+, lactate, and H2O in porcine retinal pigment epithelial cells

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of the eye transports water and lactate ions in the direction from retina to choroid. The water transport is important in maintenance of retinal adhesion and the transport of lactate ions serves to regulate the lactate levels and pH of the subretinal space. This study investigates by means of a non-invasive technique the mechanism of coupling between transport of H(+), lactate ion, and water in the monocarboxylate transporter (MCT1) located in the apical (retinal) membrane of a mammalian RPE. Primary cultures of porcine RPE cells were grown to confluence and placed in a perfusion chamber in which the solution facing the retinal membrane could be changed rapidly. Two types of experiments were performed: Changes in cell water volume were measured by self-quenching of the fluorescent dye Calcein, and changes in intracellular pH were measured ratiometrically using the fluorescent dye BCECF. In lactate-free solutions, mannitol addition to the retinal bath caused intracellular acidification and cell shrinkage, given by a single osmotic water permeability of 1.2+/-0.1 x 10(-4)cmsec(-1) (osmoll(-1))(-1). In solutions containing 50 mmoll(-1) lactate, however, the mannitol-induced cell shrinkage was faster and the cells alkalinized. These effects were not linear functions of the magnitude of the imposed osmotic gradients: Both volume effects and changes in intracellular pH showed apparent saturation with increasing gradients. Abrupt isosmotic replacement of Cl(-) with lactate in the concentration range from 3 to 50 mmoll(-1) caused an immediate cell swelling as well as an immediate intracellular acidification; both effects showed apparent saturation with increasing lactate concentration. The K(m) values were: 11+/-2 mmoll(-1) for the water fluxes and 13+/-4 mmoll(-1) for the H(+) and lactate fluxes. The data suggest that H(2)O is cotransported along with H(+) and lactate ions in MCT1 localized to the retinal membrane. The study emphasizes the importance of this cotransporter in the maintenance of water homeostasis and pH in the subretinal space of a mammalian tissue and supports our previous study performed by an invasive technique in an amphibian tissue.

Molecular mechanisms of water transport in the eye

The four major sites for ocular water transport, the corneal epithelium and endothelium, the ciliary epithelium, and the retinal pigment epithelium, are reviewed. The cornea has an inherent tendency to swell, which is counteracted by its two surface cell layers, the corneal epithelium and endothelium. The bilayered ciliary epithelium secretes the aqueous humor into the posterior chamber, and the retinal pigment epithelium transports water from the retinal to the choroidal site. For each epithelium, ion transport mechanisms are associated with fluid transport, but the exact molecular coupling sites between ion and water transport remain undefined. In the retinal pigment epithelium, a H+-lactate cotransporter transports water. This protein could be the site of coupling between salt and water in this epithelium. The distribution of aquaporins does not suggest a role for these proteins in a general model for water transport in ocular epithelia. Some water-transporting membranes contain aquaporins, others do not. The ultrastructure is also variable among the cell layers and cannot be fitted into a general model. On the other hand, the direction of cotransport in symporters complies with the direction of fluid transport in both the corneal epi- and endothelium, as well as the ciliary epithelium and retinal pigment epithelium.

Mouse MCT3 gene is expressed preferentially in retinal pigment and choroid plexus epithelia

Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) are a family of highly homologous membrane proteins that mediate the 1:1 transport of a proton and a lactate ion. In chicken, MCT3 is preferentially expressed in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). We have isolated the mouse MCT3 cDNA and gene and characterized the pattern of tissue expression. MCT3 is a single copy gene with a 1.8-kb transcript that encodes a protein with a predicted molecular mass of 51.5 kDa. Based on Northern hybridization analysis, MCT3 transcript was expressed in only two tissues: RPE and choroid plexus epithelium (CPE). The choroid plexus forms a barrier between the cerebrospinal fluid and fenestrated capillaries, similar to the organization of the RPE and choroidal vessels. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that MCT3 was restricted to the basolateral membranes of both epithelia but was more abundant in RPE than CPE. Differences in the level of protein expression were confirmed by Western blot analysis. The cloning of MCT3 identifies a specific transporter that could regulate lactate levels in fluid-bathing neuronal tissues.

Determination of transport kinetics of chick MCT3 monocarboxylate transporter from retinal pigment epithelium by expression in genetically modified yeast

Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) comprise a group of highly homologous proteins that reside in the plasma membrane of almost all cells and which mediate the 1:1 electroneutral transport of a proton and a lactate ion. The isoform MCT3 is restricted to the basal membrane of the retinal pigment epithelium where it regulates lactate levels in the neural retina. Kinetic analysis of this transporter poses formidable difficulties due to the presence of multiple lactate transporters and their complex interaction with MCTs in adjacent cells. To circumvent these problems, we expressed both the MCT3 gene and a green fluorescent protein-tagged MCT3 construct in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Since L-lactate metabolism in yeast depends on the CYB2 gene, we disrupted CYB2 to study the MCT3 transporter activity free from the complications of metabolism. Under these conditions L-lactate uptake varied inversely with pH, greater uptake being associated with lower pH. Whereas the V(max) was invariant, the K(m) increased severalfold as the pH rose from 6 to 8. In addition, MCT3 was highly resistant to a number of "classical" inhibitors of lactate transport. Last, studies with diethyl pyrocarbonate and p-chloromercuribenzenesulfonate set limitations on the locus of potential residues involved in the critical site of lactate translocation.

The role of photoreceptors in the control of refractive state

The current state of research into experimentally induced refractive errors is reviewed. The area is analysed in three components-the transduction of defocus or deprivation, the vector for transmitting the error message from the retina to the outer tunics of the eye, and the identity of the effector for causing growth modulation in the sclera. Anatomical, pharmacological, electrophysiological and optical factors are considered in terms of which elements of the retina are necessary to support a refractive response to deprivation or defocus. Two of the current models are discussed-one emphasizing the role of the choroid in effecting ocular and refractive change, while the second model approaches the problem from the aspect of scleral changes that are associated with growth adaptation without emphasis on the error detection mechanism. A third model is proposed in which the error signal for deprivation or defocus is detected in the outer retina and where error is translated through separate signals for stimulus brightening and darkening into a net signal for fluid flow across and under the active control of the retinal pigment epithelium with the fluid communication between the vitreous chamber and the choroidal lymphatics. The directions of research both fundamental and clinical which are needed to create pharmaceutical or environmental solutions to refractive control are discussed.

Cellular and subcellular expression of monocarboxylate transporters in the pigment epithelium and retina of the rat

The cellular and subcellular expression of the monocarboxylate transporters MCT1, MCT2 and MCT4 [corresponding to MCT3 of Price N. T. et al. (1998) Biochem. J. 329, 321-328] were investigated in the pigment epithelium and outer retina of rats. Immunofluorescence and postembedding immunogold analyses revealed strong MCT1 labelling in the apical membrane of the pigment epithelial and no detectable signal in the basolateral membrane. In contrast, antibodies to the glucose transporter GLUT1 produced intense labelling in both membranes. Neither MCT1 nor GLUT1 was enriched in intracellular compartments. The monocarboxylate transporter MCT4 was very weakly expressed in the retinal pigment epithelium of adult animals, but occurred at higher concentrations at this site in 14-day-old rats. However, even at the latter stage, the immunolabelling of MCT4 was weak compared to that of MCT1. In the neural retina, the data were consistent with a predominant glial localization of MCT1. Specifically, immunogold particles signalling MCT1 occurred in Müller cell microvilli and in the velate processes between the photoreceptors. No labelling was obtained with antibodies to MCT2. Taken together with previous biochemical analyses, the present findings indicate that MCT1 is involved in the outward transport of lactate through the retinal pigment epithelial cells, and in the transfer of lactate between Müller cells and photoreceptors.

Extracellular ATP activates calcium signaling, ion, and fluid transport in retinal pigment epithelium

The presence of receptors for ATP has not been established in any native preparation of retinal neurons or glia. In the present study, we used conventional electrophysiological and [Ca2+]in fluorescence imaging techniques to investigate the effects of ATP added to Ringer's solution perfusing the retinal-facing (apical) membrane of freshly isolated monolayers of bovine retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). ATP (or UTP) produced large, biphasic voltage and resistance changes with a Kd of approximately 5 microM for ATP and approximately 1 microM for UTP. Electrical and pharmacological evidence indicates that the first and second phases of the response are attributable to an increase in basolateral membrane Cl conductance and a decrease in apical membrane K conductance, respectively. The ATP-induced responses were not affected by adenosine, but were reduced by the P2-purinoceptor blocker suramin. ATP also produced a large, transient increase in [Ca2+]in that was blocked by cyclopiazonic acid, an inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPases. The calcium buffer BAPTA attenuated the voltage effects of ATP. We also found that apical DIDS significantly inhibited the ATP-evoked [Ca2+]in and electrical responses, suggesting that DIDS blocked the purinoceptor. Measurements of fluid movement across the RPE using the capacitance probe technique demonstrated a significant increase in fluid absorption by apical UTP. These data indicate the presence of metabotropic P2Y/P2U-purinoceptors at the RPE apical membrane and implicate extracellular ATP in vivo as a retinal signaling molecule that could help regulate the hydration and chemical composition of the subretinal space.

Genomic structure and developmental expression of the chicken nonocarboxylate transporter MCT3 gene

MCT3 is a monocarboxylate transporter that is specifically expressed on the basolateral membrane of retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE). In these studies the temporal expression of MCT3 during ocular development was examined using Northern blot analysis. A 2.2 kb transcript (MCT3b) was detected in RPE by embryonic day 7 (E7) and was present throughout embryonic development. A 2.45 kb transcript (MCT3a) was expressed at low levels before E11 but its expression increased between E11 and E17. Using 5'-RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) it has demonstrated that MCT3a and MCT3b mRNA had distinct 5'-untranslated sequences but shared the same translation start site. To determine the exon-intron structure and to understand the elements that control the tissue specific and developmental expression of MCT3, the MCT3 gene was cloned and sequenced from a chicken genomic library. The MCT3 gene is distributed over 8 kb of DNA and is composed of 6 exons. Coding sequences for MCT3 are found on exon 2 through exon 5. Comparison of the 5'-RACE sequence with the genomic sequence reveals that the two 5'-untranslated regions of the mRNAs are encoded by distinct exons, 1a and 1b, which are alternatively spliced to exon 2. These data suggest that two forms of MCT3 mRNAs could be generated by two distinct promoters that may be regulated in response to changes in the metabolic activity of the retina during development.

Monocarboxylate transporter MCT1 is located in the apical membrane and MCT3 in the basal membrane of rat RPE

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) forms the outer blood-retinal barrier and regulates the movement of nutrients, water, and ions between the choroidal blood supply and the retina. The transport properties of the RPE maintain retinal adhesion and regulate the pH and osmolarity in the space surrounding the photoreceptor cell outer segments. In this report we identify two monocarboxylate transporters, MCT1 and MCT3, expressed in rat RPE. On the basis of Northern and Western blot analyses, MCT1 is expressed in both the neural retina and the RPE, whereas the expression of MCT3 is restricted to the RPE. Using indirect immunolocalization we show that the two transporters are polarized to distinct membrane domains. MCT1 antibody labels the apical surface and the apical processes of the RPE. A polyclonal antibody produced against the carboxy terminus of rat MCT3 labels only the basolateral membrane of the RPE. The demonstration of MCT1 on the apical membrane and MCT3 on the basal membrane identifies specific proteins involved in the discriminate and critical regulation of water and lactate transport from the retina to the choroid.

Identification of a unique monocarboxylate transporter (MCT3) in retinal pigment epithelium

The retinal pigment epithelium transports lactate between two tissue compartments, the interphotoreceptor matrix and the choriocapillaris. In this report we describe a 2.45-kb cDNA isolated from a chick cDNA RPE library that encodes a membrane protein found only in RPE cells. The deduced protein has 542 amino acids with twelve putative membrane spanning domains. The cDNA has been designated MCT3 based on its 45% identity in amino acid sequence and structural similarity with the monocarboxylate transporters MCT1 and MCT2. Stable transfectants (pCl-neo/MCT3), made in a rat thyroid epithelial cell line (FRTL-5), express MCT3 RNA. Transfectants had enhanced pyruvate uptake (used as a measure of lactate uptake) which was proton-dependent and inhibited by alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate. In summary, MCT3's unique expression in RPE cells, multiple potential phosphorylation sites, and basolateral distribution suggest that MCT3 may regulate lactate levels in the interphotoreceptor space.

Proton-lactate cotransport in basolateral membrane vesicles from rat jejunum

Proton-coupled lactate transport across the basolateral membrane of rat jejunal enterocyte was studied using well purified membrane vesicles. L-lactate uptake is stimulated by an inwardly directed H+ gradient; the effect of the pH difference is drastically reduced by FCCP and by pCMBS; unlabelled L-lactate causes a strong inhibition, whilst furosemide is uneffective. The H+ gradient-dependent stimulation of L-lactate uptake is significantly inhibited also by SCN-: this finding could explain results recently reported in the literature in which H(+)-lactate symport was not evidenced in basolateral membranes from rat jejunum.

Cotransport of H+, lactate and H2O by membrane proteins in retinal pigment epithelium of bullfrog

1. The interaction between H+, lactate and H2O fluxes in the retinal membrane of the pigment epithelium from bullfrog Rana catesbiana was studied by means of ion-selective micro-electrodes. 2. Changes in intracellular pH and cell volume were recorded in response to abrupt changes in retinal solution concentration and/or osmolarity. 3. Two parallel pathways for water transport were identified across the retinal membrane, an osmotic one with a hydraulic water permeability of 3.2 x 10(-4) cm s-1 (osmol l-1)-1 and one which depended on the presence of lactate. 4. Addition of sodium lactate to the retinal solution caused cell shrinkages that were small compared with those produced by mannitol. The reflection coefficient for sodium lactate was 0.25. 5. Isosmotic replacement of Cl- with lactate caused an influx of water. Simultaneous acidification of the retinal solution from pH 7.4 to 6.4 enhanced the effect. The influx of water could proceed against osmotic gradients elicited by mannitol. 6. The interdependence of the fluxes of H+, lactate and H2O can be described as cotransport: the fluxes had a fixed ratio of about 109 mmol of lactic acid per litre of water, the flux of one species was able to energize the flux of the other two, and the fluxes exhibited saturation for increasing driving forces. 7. The Gibbs equation gives an accurate quantitative description of these coupled fluxes.

The delayed basolateral membrane hyperpolarization of the bovine retinal pigment epithelium: mechanism of generation

1. Conventional and ion-selective double-barrelled microelectrodes were used in an in vitro preparation of bovine retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-choroid to measure the changes in membrane voltage, resistance and intracellular Cl- activity (aCli) produced by small, physiological changes in extracellular potassium concentration ([K+]o). These apical [K+]o changes approximate those produced in the extracellular (subretinal) space between the photoreceptors and the RPE following transitions between light and dark. 2. Changing apical [K+]o from 5 to 2 mM in vitro elicited membrane voltage responses with three distinct phases. The first phase was generated by an apical membrane hyperpolarization, followed by a (delayed) basolateral membrane hyperpolarization (DBMH); the third phase was an apical membrane depolarization. The present experiments focus on the membrane and cellular mechanisms that generate phase 2 of the response, the DBMH. 3. The DBMH was abolished in the presence of apical bumetanide (100 microM); this response was completely restored after bumetanide removal. 4. Reducing apical [K+]o, adding apical bumetanide (500 mM), or removing apical Cl- decreased aCli by 25 +/- 6 (n = 8), 28 +/- 1 (n = 2) and 26 +/- 5 mM (n = 3), respectively; adding 100 microM apical bumetanide decreased aCli by 12 +/- 2 mM (n = 3). Adding apical bumetanide or removing apical bath Cl- hyperpolarized the basolateral membrane and decreased the apparent basolateral membrane conductance (GB). 5. DIDS (4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid) blocked the RPE basolateral membrane Cl- conductance and inhibited the DBMH and the basolateral membrane hyperpolarization produced by apical bumetanide addition or by removal of apical Cl-o. The present results show that the DBMH is caused by delta[K]o-induced inhibition of the apical membrane Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl- cotransporter; the subsequent decrease in aCli generated a hyperpolarization at the basolateral membrane Cl- channel.