A Role for Cytoplasmic Structural Proteins in the Transport of Water and Salts in the Intestine
Abstract
This contract supports research to test the hypothesis - that the movement of water and salts across the epithelial membrane of the intestine depends not only on the properties of the cellular membranes but also on the structural properties of the cytoplasm of the cells. Current theories ascribe all controls of cellular transport of water and salts to passive diffusion and specialized enzymes, pores, and channels at the cell membrane. Classical interpretation allows no role for the cytoplasmic components of the cells in regulation or control of transport. Scattered experimental evidence produced in the 1970's, however, suggests that the disruption of the microtubule and microfilament network of the cytoplasm can have an effect on the rate and direction of transport. This proposal is in the process of testing the idea that the cytoskeleton plays a role along with water to regulate transport. For this purpose the intestinal epithelium has been chosen as a membrane through which large amounts of sodium and water pass. This work is part of a coordinated effort among three labs to study this phenomenum in vivo in perfused rat intestine, in vitro on stripped intestinal mucosa in Ussing chambers, and in isolated intestinal enterocytes. Preliminary data produced by this team has already resulted in the acceptance of a role for cytoplasmic proteins in the electrical properties of the intestinal epithelium.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 08, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA108884
Entities
People
- Paula T. Beall
Organizations
- Baylor College of Medicine