Journal of Applied Physiology AJP: Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology
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J Appl Physiol 66: 1079-1086, 1989;
8750-7587/89 $5.00
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Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 66, Issue 3 1079-1086, Copyright © 1989 by American Physiological Society

ARTICLES

Taurine uptake by isolated alveolar macrophages and type II cells

M. A. Banks, W. G. Martin, W. H. Pailes and V. Castranova
Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506.

Evidence suggests that taurine may protect cellular membranes against oxidants (Gordon et al., Am. J. Pathol. 125: 585-600, 1986). The present study was conducted to determine if alveolar macrophages and type II cells (which are relatively resistant to oxidant injury) possess a specialized transport system for the accumulation of taurine. The results indicate that both cell types contain more taurine than plasma or whole lung. Taurine influx exhibited both carrier-mediated and simple diffusion components. Carrier-mediated uptake displayed saturation kinetics (Km = 26.3 and 22.5 microM, while Vmax = 33.2 and 4.9 pmol.10(6) cells-1.min-1 for macrophages and type II cells, respectively). Taurine uptake was dependent on extracellular sodium and inhibited by metabolic inhibitors or ouabain. Total taurine uptake by type II cells was lower than that of alveolar macrophages. However, type II cells exhibited a higher intercellular concentration of taurine (14 vs. 4 mM) because of a higher ratio of carrier-mediated uptake to leakage than with alveolar macrophages. It is possible that this specialized transport system for taurine uptake may lend these cells resistant to oxidant injury.




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