Dynamic role of microfilaments in intestinal chloride secretion

Abstract

The importance of microfilaments in the regulation of chloride (Cl-) secretion by the human intestinal cell line T84 was investigated using the cytoskeletal probe phalloidin to bind and stabilize F-actin. Phalloidin was found to inhibit secretion mediated by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and the sustained secretory response to the calcium (Ca+2) ionophore ionomycin but not to affect the transient Ca+2-mediated response to carbachol and histamine. Fluorescent microscopic examination of F-actin revealed regionally restricted microfilament remodeling in cAMP- and ionomycin-treated cells. Normal regulation of apical Cl- and basolateral potassium (K+) channel functions was evident in phalloidin-loaded cells. It is concluded that prevention of cytoskeletal remodeling by actin stabilization inhibits the generation of a sustained Cl- secretory response by a mechanism that does not involve Cl- or K+ channels. Depolymerization of F-actin plays an integral role in the regulation of intestinal Cl- secretion.