The American journal of physiology
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Cystic fibrosis (CF) airway epithelia exhibit raised transepithelial Na+ transport rates, as determined by open-circuit isotope fluxes and estimates of the amiloride-sensitive equivalent short-circuit current (Ieq). To study the contribution of apical and basolateral membrane paths to raised Na+ transport in CF, CF nasal epithelial cultures were studied with double-barreled Na(+)-selective microelectrodes and the Ussing chamber technique. Intracellular Na+ activity (acNa) was 24.1 +/- 1.5 mM (n = 36), a value similar to acNa of normal nasal epithelial cells. ⋯ Ouabain abolished Ieq and slowly raised acNa. Reduction of serosal [Na+] led to a decrease in acNa that was blocked by bumetanide. It is concluded that 1) CF airway epithelia exhibit an increased apical membrane Na+ permeability, 2) acNa is regulated to a normal level in CF cells despite increased transcellular Na+ fluxes, 3) the abnormal increase in acNa in response to amiloride is dependent on luminal Na+, 4) Na+ is transported across the basolateral membrane by a bumetanide-sensitive cotransport mechanism, and 5) ouabain inhibits the basolateral Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, causing slow dissipation of the chemical and electrical gradients across the cell membranes.