valinomycin and 3-3--dipropyl-2-2--thiadicarbocyanine

Fluorescent dyes have been widely employed as optical indicators of the membrane potential difference in cells, isolated organelles and lipid vesicles that are too small to make microelectrode measurements feasible. We describe here the application of a carbocyanine dye, 3,3'-dipropylthiodicarbocyanine iodide [DiS-C3-(5)], to monitor the transmembrane potential changes induced by a variation of the K+ concentration for the cells of Escherichia (E.) coli and photosynthetic bacterium Rhodospirillum (R.) rubrum. The cells were first incubated in buffers containing DiS-C3-(5) and K+ ions of various concentrations until the fluorescence intensity reached a constant value. Valinomycin was then added to the solution, which caused changes in the fluorescence intensity, depending on the K+ concentrations. The membrane potential is shown to have a linear relationship with the fluorescence intensity of DiS-C3-(5). The results demonstrate that the K+ concentrations inside intact cells are 4.6 mM and 5.3 mM for E. coli and R. rubrum, respectively. The diffusion potentials of K+ ions were determined using the Nernst equation over the range of -1.3 mV to 44 mV, corresponding to K+ concentrations of 5 mM -25 mM outside of the cells.

Topics: Benzothiazoles; Biological Transport, Active; Carbocyanines; Cell Membrane; Escherichia coli; Fluorescent Dyes; Membrane Potentials; Potassium; Rhodospirillum rubrum; Valinomycin

We have previously shown that anacardic acid has an uncoupling effect on oxidative phosphorylation in rat liver mitochondria using succinate as a substrate (Life Sci. 66 (2000) 229-234). In the present study, for clarification of the physicochemical characteristics of anacardic acid, we used a cyanine dye (DiS-C3(5)) and 9-aminoacridine (9-AA) to determine changes of membrane potential (DeltaPsi) and pH difference (DeltapH), respectively, in a liposome suspension in response to the addition of anacardic acid to the suspension. The anacardic acid quenched DiS-C3(5) fluorescence at concentrations higher than 300 nM, with the degree of quenching being dependent on the log concentration of the acid. Furthermore, the K(+) diffusion potential generated by the addition of valinomycin to the suspension decreased for each increase in anacardic acid concentration used over 300 nM, but the sum of the anacardic acid- and valinomycin-mediated quenching was additively increasing. This indicates that the anacardic acid-mediated quenching was not due simply to increments in the K(+) permeability of the membrane. Addition of anacardic acid in the micromolar range to the liposomes with DeltaPsi formed by valinomycin-K(+) did not significantly alter 9-AA fluorescence, but unexpectedly dissipated DeltaPsi. The DeltaPsi preformed by valinomycin-K(+) decreased gradually following the addition of increasing concentrations of anacardic acid. The DeltaPsi dissipation rate was dependent on the pre-existing magnitude of DeltaPsi, and was correlated with the logarithmic concentration of anacardic acid. Furthermore, the initial rate of DeltapH dissipation increased with logarithmic increases in anacardic acid concentration. These results provide the evidence for a unique function of anacardic acid, dissimilar to carbonylcyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone or valinomycin, in that anacardic acid behaves as both an electrogenic (negative) charge carrier driven by DeltaPsi, and a 'proton carrier' that dissipates the transmembrane proton gradient formed.

Topics: Aminacrine; Anacardic Acids; Benzothiazoles; Carbocyanines; Carbonyl Cyanide p-Trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Fluorescent Dyes; Gramicidin; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Liposomes; Membrane Potentials; Models, Chemical; Molecular Structure; Salicylates; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Valinomycin

A fluorometric assay for mitochondrial membrane potential in permeabilized yeast cells has been developed. This method involves permeabilizing the plasma membrane and measuring the distribution of a mitochondrial membrane potential sensitive probe 3,3'-dipropylthiadicarbocyanine iodide (DiSC(3)(5); DiSC(3)). In permeabilized cells, DiSC(3) fluorescence decreased when introduced into energized mitochondria and increased three- to sixfold when the mitochondrial membrane potential was dissipated by the chemical uncoupler carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone. Plasma membrane potential was abolished by permeabilization, as shown by a lack of polarization of the plasma membrane induced by K(+) and glucose. Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), a mitochondrial H(+) transporter, was used as a model for method validation. The fluorescence intensity responded vigorously to specific modulators in UCP1-expressing cells. This method has been adapted as a high-throughput assay to screen for modulators of mitochondrial membrane potential.

Topics: Benzothiazoles; Biological Assay; Carbocyanines; Carbonyl Cyanide m-Chlorophenyl Hydrazone; Carrier Proteins; Cell Membrane Permeability; Dinitrophenols; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase; Iodides; Ion Channels; Ionophores; Membrane Potentials; Membrane Proteins; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial Proteins; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Uncoupling Agents; Uncoupling Protein 1; Valinomycin; Yeasts

The membrane potential responsiveness of human myeloid leukemia cells (ML-1 line) was studied with the voltage sensitive fluorescent dye diS-C3-(5). The experimental procedure used in this study enabled us to assess the magnitude of the membrane potential change in cells treated with ouabain, 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine (FMLP), relative to the membrane potential in the untreated control. Inhibition of the Na, K-ATPase by ouabain was followed by a (20 +/- 4) mV depolarization. In undifferentiated homogeneous cell population TPA caused a (19.4 +/- 4.4) mV depolarization while FMLP had virtually no effect. Cells in which granulocytic or monocytic differentiation was induced by retinoic acid or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 exhibited under the effect of TPA a (57.8 +/- 7.1) mV and (34.8 +/- 10.9) mV depolarization, respectively. A very small transient depolarization was also observed up on treating of the cells with FMLP. The changes in the membrane potential responsiveness in the induced cells are obviously connected with the cell differentiation.

Topics: Benzothiazoles; Carbocyanines; Cell Differentiation; Fluorescence; Granulocytes; Humans; Kinetics; Leukemia, Myeloid; Membrane Potentials; Monocytes; N-Formylmethionine Leucyl-Phenylalanine; Ouabain; Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Valinomycin

In addition to previous observations indicating that membrane potential changes generated by various Donnan- and Nernst-potentials lead to erythrocyte shape transformations, we show in this paper that diffusion potential change, induced by valinomycin, governs erythrocyte shape transformations. In low KCl-medium valinomycin, transferring the positive Nernst-potential into a negative diffusion potential, transforms stomatocytes into echinocytes. Using modified erythrocytes with a reversed K/Na ratio, even positive diffusion potentials can be induced by valinomycin. In these cases, stomatocytes can be generated by valinomycin. It is shown that, additionally, valinomycin in large concentrations is itself stomatocytogenic, and that the fluorescent dye diS-C3-(5) also induces stomatocytes. This, however, is a side effect which does not contradict the potential dependence of shape transformation. Using non washed erythrocytes, resuspended in plasma, valinomycin, inducing negative diffusion potential, transforms most erythrocytes to echinocytes despite the stomatocytogenic effect of albumin.

Topics: Albumins; Benzothiazoles; Carbocyanines; Erythrocytes; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Membrane Potentials; Potassium; Sodium; Valinomycin

Phosphate ion (Pi) in sufficient concentrations is crucial for bone mineralization. The osteoblast (OB) may be responsible for the transport of Pi into the bone interstitium, where mineralization occurs. We previously characterized a Na(+)-dependent Pi transporter (NaPi) in the osteoblastic UMR-106-01 cell line. In the present study, the alteration of Na(+)-dependent Pi transport by changes in membrane potential was investigated. Depolarizing the cells with increasing concentrations of ambient K+ and valinomycin resulted in a progressive decline in Na(+)-dependent Pi uptake to a maximum of 28% at a membrane potential of -18 mV compared to control Na(+)-dependent Pi uptake at a membrane potential of approximately -60 mV. Hyperpolarizing the cells with SCN- increased Na(+)-dependent Pi uptake over control by 50% at an SCN- concentration of 70 mM. Determination of membrane potential by using the fluorescent probe, DiSC3(5), showed that the addition of Pi to cells in Na(+)-containing medium resulted in a small depolarization. These data show that NaPi activity can be altered by membrane potential changes and that the initiation of Na(+)-dependent Pi uptake is associated with depolarization of the plasma membrane of UMR-106-01 cells. Taken together, the cotransport of Na+ and Pi results in the movement of a net positive charge into the cell.

Topics: Benzothiazoles; Biological Transport; Carbocyanines; Carrier Proteins; Cell Line; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Kinetics; Membrane Potentials; Membrane Proteins; Osteoblasts; Phosphate-Binding Proteins; Phosphates; Potassium; Sodium; Thiocyanates; Valinomycin

We have used the membrane-permeant charged fluorescent dye, 3,3'-dipropylthiadicarbocyanine iodide (diS-C3[5]), to monitor electrical potentials across the membranes of isolated bovine disks. Calibration curves obtained from experiments where a potential was created across the disk membrane by a potassium concentration gradient and valinomycin showed an approximately linear relation between dye fluorescence and calculated membrane potential from 0 to -120 mV. Light exposure in the presence of the permeant buffer, imidazole, caused a rapid decay of the membrane potential to a new stable level. Addition of CCCP, a proton ionophore, in the dark produced the same effect as illumination. When the permeant buffer, imidazole, was replaced by the impermeant buffer, Hepes, neither light nor CCCP discharged the gradient. We interpret the changes in membrane potential measured upon illumination to be the result of a light-induced increase in the permeability of the disk membrane to protons. A permeant buffer is required to prevent the build-up of a pH gradient which would inhibit the sustained proton flow needed for an observable change in membrane potential.

Topics: Animals; Benzothiazoles; Carbocyanines; Cattle; Cell Membrane Permeability; Fluorescent Dyes; Kinetics; Light; Mathematics; Membrane Potentials; Models, Biological; Photoreceptor Cells; Potassium Channels; Protons; Valinomycin

The fluorescence of the voltage sensitive dye, diS-C3-(5), has been analyzed by means of synchronous excitation spectroscopy. Using this rather rare fluorescence technique we have been able to distinguish between the slightly shifted spectra of diS-C3-(5) fluorescence from cells and from the supernatant. It has been found that diS-C3-(5) fluorescence in the supernatant can be selectively monitored at lambda exc = 630 nm and lambda em = 650 nm, while the cell associated fluorescence can be observed at lambda exc = 690 nm and lambda em = 710 nm. A modified theory for the diS-C3-(5) fluorescence response to the membrane potential is presented, according to which a linear relationship exists between the logarithmic increment of the dye fluorescence intensity in the supernatant, 1n I/I degrees, and the underlying change in the plasma membrane potential, delta psi p = psi p - psi p degrees. The theory has been tested on human myeloid leukemia cells (line ML-1) in which membrane potential changes were induced by valinomycin clamping in various K+ gradients. It has been demonstrated that the membrane potential change, delta psi p, can be measured on an absolute scale.

Topics: Benzothiazoles; Carbocyanines; Fluorescent Dyes; Humans; Kinetics; Leukemia, Myeloid; Mathematics; Membrane Potentials; Potassium; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Valinomycin

Sperm from trout, like other sperm, are immotile in the seminal tract and initiate motility upon dilution into an appropriate fertilizing environment. Trout sperm motility is inhibited by high extracellular [K+] and can be activated by dilution of extracellular [K+]. Activation of trout sperm by the dilution of extracellular [K+] suggests regulation by membrane potential. Using the membrane potential-sensitive fluorescent dye 3,3'-dipropylthiocarbocyanine iodide (diS-C3-(5)) we directly measured the K+ contribution to the membrane potential. Manipulating the membrane potential with Cs+ and the ionophore valinomycin can override K+ regulation. We show that trout sperm can also be activated in the presence of inhibitory [K+] by the addition of divalent cations. Activation by divalent cations is explained by the cations' ability to mask membrane surface potential and thus alter the potential sensed by membrane voltage sensors. Using the surface potential-sensitive dye, 1-anilino-8-naphthosulfonate (ANS), we directly measure the divalent cations' ability to mask surface potential. We propose a model where membrane hyperpolarization is the trigger that initiates the cascade of events leading to trout sperm activation. An increase in intracellular pH has been suggested to be a conserved step in the activation of sperm motility. We show that increasing intracellular pH by procedures that activate sea urchin and mammalian sperm does not activate trout sperm. In contrast, there is a decrease in intracellular pH upon activation of trout sperm motility. Artificially decreasing intracellular pH is not sufficient for activation of motility in trout sperm in an inhibitory [K+]. Thus, unlike some other sperm, changes in intracellular pH do not regulate trout sperm motility.

Topics: Anilino Naphthalenesulfonates; Animals; Benzothiazoles; Carbocyanines; Cesium; Fluoresceins; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Magnesium; Male; Membrane Potentials; Models, Biological; Potassium; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa; Trout; Valinomycin

Topics: Animals; Benzothiazoles; Biological Transport, Active; Ca(2+) Mg(2+)-ATPase; Calcium; Calcium Channels; Carbocyanines; Fluorescent Dyes; In Vitro Techniques; Membrane Potentials; Muscle, Smooth; Sarcolemma; Swine; Valinomycin

The basolateral membrane of the thick ascending loop of Henle (TALH) of the mammalian kidney is highly enriched in Na+/K+ ATPase and has been shown by electrophysiological methods to be highly conductive to Cl-. In order to study the Cl- conductive pathways, membrane vesicles were isolated from the TALH-containing region of the porcine kidney, the red outer medulla, and Cl- channel activity was determined by a 36Cl uptake assay where the uptake of the radioactive tracer is driven by the membrane potential (positive inside) generated by an outward Cl- gradient. The accumulation of 36Cl- inside the vesicles was found to be dependent on the intravesicular Cl- concentration and was abolished by clamping the membrane potential with valinomycin. The latter finding indicated the involvement of conductive pathways. Cl- channel activity was also observed using a fluorescent potential-sensitive carbocyanine dye, which detected a diffusion potential induced by an imposed inward Cl- gradient. The anion selectivity of the channels was Cl- greater than NO3- = I- much greater than gluconate. Among the Cl- transport inhibitors tested, 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoic acid (NPPAB), 4,4'-diisothiocyano-stilbene-2,2'-disulfonate (DIDS), and diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC) showed IC50 of 110, 200 and 550 microM, respectively. Inhibition of 36Cl uptake by NPPAB and two other structural analogues was fully reversible, whereas that by DIDS was not. The nonreactive analogue of DIDS, 4,4'-dinitrostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate (DNDS), was considerably less inhibitory than DIDS (25% inhibition at 200 microM). The irreversible inhibition by DIDS was prevented by NPPAB, whereas DPC was ineffective, consistent with its low inhibitory potency.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: 4-Acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic Acid; 4,4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-Disulfonic Acid; Animals; Anions; Benzothiazoles; Carbocyanines; Chlorides; Fluorescent Dyes; Ion Channels; Kidney Medulla; Membrane Potentials; Membranes; ortho-Aminobenzoates; Swine; Valinomycin

The membrane potential of primitive red cells from 4- and 6-day old chick embryos has been determined using the fluorescent dye Dis-C3-(5). At day 4 the membrane potential Em was -44 mV for pH 7.4 and 20 degrees C and -36 mV at day 6. Both values are far removed from the equilibrium potential for chloride, which is about -14 mV at day 6. Changes in the external potassium, sodium or chloride concentration were without effect on the membrane potential, except at very high potassium concentrations, where a small but significant depolarization was observed at day 6. The measurements gave the same results in the absence or presence of the anion exchange blocking agent DIDS. Three pieces of evidence indicate that the membrane potential of primitive red cells is primarily caused by an electrogenic H+ conductance: 1) The measured membrane potential of -36 mV at day 6 is close to the previously determined proton equilibrium potential (Baumann and Haller, 1983) EH + of -36 mV. 2) Addition of the electrosilent Cl-/OH- exchanger tributyltin causes a significant depolarization of about 20 mV at day 4 and about 14 mV at day 6. 3) Measurement of hydrogen ion fluxes demonstrate a potential dependent proton conductance, which increases with depolarization. These results indicate that large qualitative differences exist with regard to the mechanisms involved in the generation of membrane potential and hydrogen distribution between red cell and plasma of embryonic and adult chicken.

Topics: Animals; Benzothiazoles; Carbocyanines; Chick Embryo; Chlorides; Erythrocyte Membrane; Fluorescent Dyes; Membrane Potentials; Potassium; Protons; Trialkyltin Compounds; Valinomycin

42K+ transport properties of isolated rat parotid acini were characterized concomitant with measurements of membrane potentials (Em) by means of the fluorescent dye diSC3-(5). In unstimulated acini suspended in a 5 mM K+ buffer, Em was governed by the K+ and Cl- gradients and amounted to about -59 mV, a value that remained unaffected on cholinergic stimulation. In unstimulated acini, 42K+ influx was largely mediated by the Na+-K+ pump, and the residual influxes were mediated by a bumetanide-sensitive component (cotransport system) and by K+ channels. Efflux of 42K+ was largely mediated by a bumetanide-sensitive component and by K+ channels. In the unstimulated state, the cotransport system was mediating K+-K+ exchange without contributing to the net uptake of K+. Within 10 s after stimulation, a approximately 10-fold increase in the acinar K+ conductance (gK) occurred, resulting in a rapid net efflux of K+ that amounted to approximately 3.8 mmol.l cells-1.s-1. Measurements of 42K+ fluxes as a function of the external K+ concentration revealed that in the stimulated state gK increases when external K+ is raised from 0.7 to 10 mM, consistent with an activation of acinar gK by the binding of external K+ to the channel. 42K+ flux ratios as well as the effect of the K+ channel inhibitor from scorpion venom (LQV) suggest that approximately 90% of K+ transport in the stimulated state is mediated by "maxi" K+ channels.

Topics: Animals; Benzothiazoles; Bumetanide; Carbachol; Carbocyanines; Cells, Cultured; Fluorescent Dyes; Intracellular Fluid; Kinetics; Membrane Potentials; Ouabain; Parotid Gland; Potassium; Potassium Channels; Potassium Radioisotopes; Rats; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Valinomycin

We re-examined the electrical and stoichiometric properties of the Na+-L-lactate cotransporter using highly purified brush-border membrane vesicles prepared from the whole cortex of rabbit kidney. A valinomycin-induced K+ diffusion potential (interior-negative) stimulated Na+ gradient-dependent L-lactate uptake. However, this stimulation reflected catalytic rather than energetic activation as an inside-negative membrane potential did not induce net uphill lactate accumulation in the presence of Na+ but in the absence of a Na+ concentration gradient. Additional evidence for electroneutrality of the cotransporter was the finding that, under voltage-clamped conditions, L-lactate flux was a hyperbolic function of extravesicular Na+ concentration with a Hill coefficient (n) of 1.0. Moreover, the plot of V/[Na+]n versus V was linear for n = 1, indicating that one Na+ ion is co-transported with an anionic lactate1- molecule. Finally, addition of L-lactate to vesicles under Na+ equilibrium conditions failed to generate an inside-positive membrane potential as monitored by 3,3'-dipropylthiodicarbocyanine iodide fluorescence quenching, arguing against Na+-L-lactate cotransport by an electrogenic process. Taken together, these data indicate that the luminal Na+-L-lactate co-transporter is electroneutral with a stoichiometry of 1.

Topics: Animals; Benzothiazoles; Biological Transport; Carbocyanines; Carrier Proteins; Electrochemistry; Fluorescent Dyes; Glucose; Kidney Cortex; Lactates; Lactic Acid; Membrane Potentials; Microvilli; Monocarboxylic Acid Transporters; Potassium; Rabbits; Sodium; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Symporters; Valinomycin

The role of membrane potential in the activation of human platelets by thrombin, ADP and PAF was assessed, using the fluorescent probe diSC3(5). Thrombin, ADP and PAF transiently depolarised the platelet membrane by 6-8 mV from its resting level (-70 mV). This depolarisation had a similar time course to that of shape change. The ionophores valinomycin and gramicidin hyperpolarised and depolarised the platelets respectively but did not activate them. In contrast, exposure of platelets to high K+ media both depolarised and caused them to change shape. Removal of Na+ from the suspension media abolished the depolarisation induced by thrombin, ADP and PAF but the platelets under these conditions were still capable of changing shape and aggregating. This result indicates that the observed depolarisation depends on Na+ fluxes. Amiloride or tetrodotoxin did not mimic the effect of Na+ removal suggesting that any Na+ movement involved does not go through the classic "Na+ channel". Thrombin, ADP and PAF still depolarised the platelet membrane in the absence of added Ca++. Under these conditions, however, the membrane did not repolarise. It is evident that all three agents, thrombin, ADP and PAF, change the membrane potential of human washed platelets through a similar mechanism and this change seems to be a consequence of stimulus-receptor interaction (and platelet activation?). A causal relationship however between these events cannot be clearly shown.

Topics: Adenosine Diphosphate; Amiloride; Benzothiazoles; Blood Platelets; Carbocyanines; Cell Membrane; Fluorescent Dyes; Gramicidin; Humans; Membrane Potentials; Platelet Activating Factor; Platelet Aggregation; Potassium Chloride; Quinolines; Tetrodotoxin; Thrombin; Valinomycin; Verapamil

Safranine and the cyanine dye, 3',3'-dipropylthiadicarbocyanine (diSC3-5), were examined as membrane potential probes in cytochrome c oxidase vesicles. The spectra of the vesicle-associated dyes resemble those of the same dyes in organic solvents, indicating that safranine and diSC3-5 probably dissolve in a hydrophobic region of the proteoliposomal membrane. This binding of safranine to proteoliposomes occurs with a dye-membrane dissociation constant in the micromolar range. The binding of safranine and of diSC3-5 to liposomes or proteoliposomes is accompanied by fluorescence enhancement. This enhanced fluorescence is quenched by respiration or by the establishment of a K+ diffusion potential by valinomycin (negative interior). An optimal dye/lipid ratio was required to secure maximum fluorescence quenching of the dyes, whether that quenching was active or passive. Calibrations of both the safranine and the diSC3-5 responses with K+ diffusion potentials were also affected by the dye/lipid ratio. At lower dye/lipid ratios, the calibration curve was linear at higher potentials but deviated from linearity at lower potentials. The converse was true at higher dye/lipid ratios. The non-linearity of the calibration curve at higher potential was attributed to a 'saturation' effect; it may also involve increased permeability of proteoliposomal membrane to protons. Destacking of dye at the lower dye/lipid ratio was probably responsible for the non-linearity of the calibration curves at lower potentials. When all these effects are taken into account, the steady-state value of delta psi generated during maximal proteoliposomal respiration was calculated to be between 140 and 160 mV (interior negative) when measured with either safranine or diSC3-5. We conclude that quantitative estimates of delta psi values can be made using these probes in cytochrome c oxidase reconstituted proteoliposomes provided that appropriate precautions are taken.

Topics: Animals; Benzothiazoles; Carbocyanines; Cattle; Coloring Agents; Electron Transport Complex IV; Kinetics; Liposomes; Mathematics; Membrane Potentials; Methods; Phenazines; Potassium; Proteolipids; Quinolines; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Valinomycin

The membrane potential of the human platelet was investigated using the membrane potential probes 3,3'-dipropyl-2,2'-thiadicarbocyanine iodide and tritiated triphenylmethylphosphonium bromide. The membrane potential in physiologic buffer was estimated to be 52-60 mV inside negative. The membrane was depolarized when extracellular potassium or hydrogen ion concentrations were increased. Changes in extracellular sodium, chloride, or calcium ion concentration had no measurable effect on membrane potential. Elevated extracellular potassium has been shown to increase platelet sensitivity to the aggregating agent, adenosine diphosphate. Our results show that changes in extracellular ion concentrations that depolarize platelets increase platelet sensitivity to aggregating agents. These results suggest that membrane potential changes may play a role in modulating the response of platelets to aggregating agents.

Topics: Benzothiazoles; Blood Platelets; Carbocyanines; Electrolytes; Humans; Inulin; Membrane Potentials; Onium Compounds; Platelet Aggregation; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Trityl Compounds; Valinomycin

The membrane potential of human platelets, and the role of this potential in platelet aggregation, was assessed using the noncovalent, fluorescent probe DiS-C3-5. High K+ and Gramicidin depolarised the cells, whereas valinomycin in standard (4 mMK+) solution produced a hyperpolarisation. Very small changes in potential were observed when choline Cl replaced NaCl. These findings indicate that platelets possess a relatively K+-perm-selective membrane. The resting potential calculated from the "valinomycin null point" (the K+ concentration gradient at which valinomycin did not change the potential) was approximately -60 mV. Other factors that contribute to the platelet membrane potential include a significant Cl- permeability, demonstrated by replacing Cl- with methylsulphate, and an electrogenic Na+ pump, demonstrated using strophanthidin. Little or no change in potential was observed upon addition of ADP, collagen, U44069 or thrombin. Neither strong depolarisation with high K+ or gramicidin nor hyperpolarisation with valinomycin induced platelet aggregation or altered platelet responses to agonists. It is concluded that the information transduction mechanisms involved in platelet activation do not include changes in platelet membrane potential.

Topics: Benzothiazoles; Blood Platelets; Carbocyanines; Cell Membrane Permeability; Egtazic Acid; Fluorescent Dyes; Gramicidin; Humans; Ion Channels; Membrane Potentials; Platelet Aggregation; Potassium; Valinomycin

Topics: Bacillus subtilis; Benzothiazoles; Biological Transport, Active; Carbocyanines; Carbonyl Cyanide m-Chlorophenyl Hydrazone; Cell Membrane; Fluorescent Dyes; Kinetics; Magnesium; Membrane Potentials; Rubidium; Valinomycin

The fluorescent dye, 3,3'-dipropylthiadicarbocyanine iodide, is frequently used to estimate the cell membrane potential of small cells. We have tested the effects of this dye on glycolytic rate, O2 consumption, and cellular ATP content in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. Addition of the dye to steady state cells in the absence of glucose induces a rapid depletion (half-time approximately equal to 5 min) of cellular ATP, which is secondary to a 76% inhibition of O2 consumption. Aerobic glycolysis is stimulated by 76%. Valinomycin produces an additional stimulation of acid production. Our findings indicate that this fluorescent dye alters energy metabolism of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. The response is consistent with primary inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Animals; Benzothiazoles; Carbocyanines; Carcinoma, Ehrlich Tumor; Energy Metabolism; Glycolysis; Kinetics; Mice; Oxidative Phosphorylation; Oxygen Consumption; Quinolines; Valinomycin

Topics: Amino Acids; Animals; Benzothiazoles; Biological Transport, Active; Carbocyanines; Carbonyl Cyanide p-Trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone; Cell Membrane; Diffusion; Fluorescent Dyes; Glucose; Glutamates; Gramicidin; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; In Vitro Techniques; Kidney; Microvilli; Rabbits; Sodium; Valinomycin