Modulation of ion transport in cultured rabbit tracheal epithelium by lipoxygenase metabolites.

Lipoxygenase metabolites influence ion movement and fluid balance in the airways. We studied the effects of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), a general inhibitor of the lipoxygenase pathway, on Na+ and Cl- secretion in cultured tracheal epithelial cells from adult rabbits through short-circuit current (Isc) and radioactive tracer flux experiments. NDGA inhibition of leukotriene release in freshly isolated rabbit tracheal epithelial cells was assayed by a 3H peptidyl-leukotriene radioimmunoassay. 3 microM NDGA resulted in a 91% reduction of leukotriene release. In unstimulated cultures, Cl- secretion (furosemide-inhibited fraction of Isc) was 11.1 +/- 2.8 muamp/cm2 (n = 10) and was unchanged in the presence of NDGA (n = 10). Epinephrine-stimulated Cl- secretion increased Isc by 12.2 +/- 2 muamp/cm2 (n = 10). This stimulation was unchanged by pretreatment with NDGA (n = 10), suggesting that inhibition of the lipoxygenase pathway did not affect Cl- secretion. In unstimulated cultures, Na+ absorption (amiloride-inhibited portion of Isc) was 10.7 +/- 3.3. muamp/cm2 (n = 10) and was reduced by 79% in the presence of NDGA (n = 10), suggesting that inhibition of the lipoxygenase pathway was associated with inhibition of Na+ absorption. Radioactive tracer flux experiments supported these findings. Exogenous LTD4 (n = 7) and LTC4 (n = 7) were added to cells pretreated with NDGA, and Na+ absorption was restored to 76% and 70% of control, respectively. In addition, LTD4 (n = 4) and LTC4 (n = 4) were added to cells without prior inhibition of the lipoxygenase pathway to NDGA and resulted in an increase in Cl- secretion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)