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Absorptive apical amiloride-sensitive Na⁺ conductance in human endometrial epithelium

C. Jane Matthews, Gordon T. A. McEwan, Christopher P. F. Redfern *, Eric J. Thomas ¹ and Barry H. Hirst

Human endometrial epithelial cells cultured on porous tissue culture supports formed tight, polarized epithelial monolayers with features characteristic of tight epithelia. Endometrial epithelial layers generated significant transepithelial electrical resistance (750 cm²) and potential difference (15·3 mV), with an inward short-circuit current (Isc; 20·5 µA cm^-2).

The I_sc was linearly proportional to the external Na⁺ concentration and was abolished in the absence of Na⁺. The I_sc was sensitive to apical amiloride. Net ²²Na⁺ flux was in the absorptive apical to basolateral direction and fully accounted for the inward I_sc. In addition, apical to basolateral and net ²²Na⁺ transport were reduced in the presence of amiloride.

The I_sc was also sensitive to addition of ouabain and Ba²⁺ to the basal solution, consistent with a role for basolateral Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase and K⁺ channels in generation of the current.

These data demonstrate that human endometrial epithelial cells in primary culture produce tight, functional monolayers on permeable supports. We provide the first evidence that human endometrial epithelial cells have an inward I_sc accounted for by an amiloride-sensitive Na⁺ conductance. The Na⁺-absorptive function of the endometrium may provide an appropriate environment for sperm function and embryo growth.

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