The effects of Na(+)‐K(+)‐Cl‐ co‐transport and Cl(‐)‐HCO3‐exchange blockade on the membrane potential and intracellular chloride levels of rat arterial smooth muscle, in vitro

Membrane potential and intracellular chloride levels have been measured simultaneously in vascular smooth muscle from the femoral artery of the rat, in vitro, using double-barrelled chloride-sensitive microelectrodes. These values are compared in the presence and absence of bicarbonate, and inhibitors of Cl(-)-HCO3- exchange and Na(+)-K(+)-Cl- co-transport. Both DIDS and bumetanide caused a hyperpolarization of membrane potential (Em) and a fall in [Cl-]i, in the presence of extracellular HCO3-. The effects of bumetanide were reversible, but those of DIDS were not. The effect of both agents were additive. The results demonstrate that both Cl(-)-HCO3- exchange and Na(+)-K(+)-Cl- co-transport accumulate intracellular chloride in this preparation, and it is suggested that this may allow the modulation of membrane potential (and hence excitability) of smooth muscle.