Frequency spectrum of transepithelial potential difference reveals transport-related oscillations.

ABSTRACT: How epithelia transport fluid is a fundamental issue that is unresolved. Explanations offered include molecular engines, local transcellular osmosis, local paracellular osmosis, and paracellular fluid transport. On the basis of experimental and theoretical work done on corneal endothelium, a fluid transporting epithelium, we suggest electroosmotic coupling at the level of the intercellular junctions driven by the transendothelial electrical potential difference as an explanation of paracellular fluid transport. We collect frequency spectra of that potential difference in real-time. For what we believe is the first time for any epithelium, we report that, unexpectedly, the potential difference displays oscillations at many characteristic frequencies. We also show that on both stimulating ce

SUBMITTER: Montalbetti N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2741586 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature