The guinea-pig tracheal potential difference as an in vivo model for the study of epithelial sodium channel function in the airways.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is a key regulator of airway mucosal hydration and mucus clearance. Negative regulation of airway ENaC function is predicted to be of clinical benefit in the cystic fibrosis lung. The aim of this study was to develop a small animal model to enable the direct assessment of airway ENaC function in vivo.

Experimental approach

Tracheal potential difference (TPD) was utilized as a measure of airway epithelial ion transport in the guinea-pig. ENaC activity in the trachea was established with a dose-response assessment to a panel of well-characterized direct and indirect pharmacological modulators of ENaC function, delivered by intra-tracheal (i.t.) instillation.

Key results

The TPD in anaesthetized guinea-pigs was

SUBMITTER: Coote KJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2597262 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature