Hypotonic shock modulates Na(+) current via a Cl(-) and Ca(2+)/calmodulin dependent mechanism in alveolar epithelial cells.

Alveolar epithelial cells are involved in Na(+) absorption via the epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC), an important process for maintaining an appropriate volume of liquid lining the respiratory epithelium and for lung oedema clearance. Here, we investigated how a 20% hypotonic shock modulates the ionic current in these cells. Polarized alveolar epithelial cells isolated from rat lungs were cultured on permeant filters and their electrophysiological properties recorded.

Modulation of epithelial sodium channel activity by lipopolysaccharide in alveolar type II cells: involvement of purinergic signaling.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative bacterium that causes chronic infection in cystic fibrosis patients. We reported recently that P. aeruginosa modulates epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) expression in experimental chronic pneumonia models.

Modulation of Na+ transport and epithelial sodium channel expression by protein kinase C in rat alveolar epithelial cells.

Although the amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) plays an important role in the modulation of alveolar liquid clearance, the precise mechanism of its regulation in alveolar epithelial cells is still under investigation. Protein kinase C (PKC) has been shown to alter ENaC expression and activity in renal epithelial cells, but much less is known about its role in alveolar epithelial cells. The objective of this study was to determine whether PKC activation modulates ENaC expression and transepithelial Na+ transport in cultured rat alveolar epithelial cells.