Anion secretion drives fluid secretion by monolayers of cultured human polycystic cells

We have investigated the hypothesis that active anion transport drives fluid secretion by the cystic epithelium in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). We prepared monolayers of a primary culture derived from cystic tissue removed from ADPKD patients. The monolayers were grown on permeant supports, and fluid secretion was initiated by forskolin. The results were compared with those obtained with monolayers of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, known to secrete Cl-. In the absence of the agonist, ADPKD monolayers absorbed fluid (0.20 +/- 0.02 microliter.cm surface area-2.h-1). Forskolin reversed this to secretion (0.60 +/- 0.03 microliter.cm-2.h-1). Control MDCK monolayers did not transport fluid in either direction, but forskolin induced secretion (0.48 +/- 0.03 microliter.cm-2.h-1). The electrical properties of the monolayers were monitored in Ussing chambers. Forskolin increased the transepithelial potential difference (Vte) of ADPKD monolayers (-0.9 +/- 0.1 to -1.1 +/- 0.1 mV) and...