Heat-shock-stimulated transepithelial daunomycin secretion by flounder renal proximal tubule primary cultures.

Primary monolayer cultures of winter flounder renal proximal tubule epithelium mounted in Ussing chambers were used to characterize transepithelial transport of daunomycin (Dau). Control tissues performed active net secretion of Dau (0.064 +/- 0.027 nmol.cm-2.h-1). Mild heat shock (5 degrees C elevation for 6-8 h followed by return to normal temperature) almost doubled Dau secretion (0.114 +/- 0.026 nmol.cm-2.h-1). This response was inhibited approximately 40% by addition of the protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide. Dau secretion was inhibited by verapamil, vinblastine, cyclosporin A, and to a lesser degree by the organic cation, tetraethylammonium. In addition, tetraethylammonium secretion was inhibited by vinblastine. Dau secretion was not inhibited by the organic anion, p-aminohippurate, and p-aminohippurate secretion was not inhibited by vinblastine. The transepithelial reabsorptive flux of Dau and the electrical characteristics of the tissues, including rheogenic glucose transport, were unaffected by any of the above treatments. Reaction of tissues with a monoclonal antibody to P-glycoprotein (C219) revealed the presence of this transporter on only apical microvilli. The data indicate that flounder possess an active mechanism for the renal excretion of Dau that is stimulated by mild heat shock. This mechanism is distinct from organic anion, but not organic cation, transport and has characteristics consistent with transport by an apical P-glycoprotein.