Taurine: a preventive agent of the acute ethanol depletive action on the isolated human amniotic membrane.

The preventive effect of taurine towards the acute ethanol reduction action was studied on the ionic transfer through the isolated human amniotic membrane. Taurine increased 3 components of the ionic transfer expressed by the conductance measurements (Na(+) and K(+) paracellular conductances through the intercellular spaces and coupling cell factor between 2 adjacent epithelial cells, expressed by a voltage ratio). These components were decreased by ethanol. Electrophysiological studies (conductance and voltage measurements) indicated that the addition of taurine (0.1-1 mM) before ethanol (0.4 g/l) hindered the decrease action of ethanol on the Na(+) and K(+) paracellular conductances and on the coupling cell factor. These data indicated a common target between taurine and ethanol: the membraneous phospholipids, particularly the distribution of the external fixed charges. The preventive action of taurineversus ethanol, on the human amniotic membrane, was exerted on the polar groups of phospholipids, hindering the incorporation of ethanol molecules.