A mathematical model of the pancreatic ductal epithelium

Y Sohma, MA Gray, Y Imai, BE Argent - The Journal of membrane biology, 1996 - Springer
Y Sohma, MA Gray, Y Imai, BE Argent
The Journal of membrane biology, 1996Springer
A mathematical model of the HCO− 3-secreting pancreatic ductal epithelium was developed
using network thermodynamics. With a minimal set of assumptions, the model accurately
reproduced the experimentally measured membrane potentials, voltage divider ratio,
transepithelial resistance and short-circuit current of nonstimulated ducts that were
microperfused and bathed with a CO 2/HCO− 3-free, HEPES-buffered solution, and also the
intracellular pH of duct cells bathed in a CO 2/HCO− 3-buffered solution. The model also …
Abstract
A mathematical model of the HCO 3-secreting pancreatic ductal epithelium was developed using network thermodynamics. With a minimal set of assumptions, the model accurately reproduced the experimentally measured membrane potentials, voltage divider ratio, transepithelial resistance and short-circuit current of nonstimulated ducts that were microperfused and bathed with a CO2/HCO 3-free, HEPES-buffered solution, and also the intracellular pH of duct cells bathed in a CO2/HCO 3-buffered solution. The model also accurately simulated: (i) the effect of step changes in basolateral K+ concentration, and the effect of K+ channel blockers on basolateral membrane potential; (ii) the intracellular acidification caused by a Na+-free extracellular solution and the effect of amiloride on this acidification; and (iii) the intracellular alkalinization caused by a Cl-free extracellular solution and the effect of DIDS on this alkalinization. In addition, the model predicted that the luminal Cl conductance plays a key role in controlling both the HCO 3 secretory rate and intracellular pH during HCO 3 secretion. We believe that the model will be helpful in the analysis of experimental data and improve our understanding of HCO 3-transporting mechanisms in pancreatic duct cells.
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