Use of Isolated Tight Epithelia to Study the Site and Mode of Drug Action on Cell Membrane Transport: Effect of the Antipsychotic Agent Trifluoperazine

The aim of the present study was to investigate the site and mode of trifluoperazine (TFP) action on cell membrane transport by the use of isolated frog skin. This cellular system gives access to the apical (outer) and basolateral (inner) membranes of the polarised epithelial cells. Both apical and basolateral TFP addition induced a dose-dependent stimulation of Na transport, and depolarised the cellular potential. The data indicate that TFP acts by increasing the Na permeability of the apical membrane. However, the mechanisms localised in the apical and basolateral membranes are quite different. Basolateral TFP addition increased Na transport due to a stimulation of PGE2 synthesis, whereas apical TFP addition abolished Na inhibition of the apical Na channels, and thereby enhanced the Na transport. An acute toxic effect on the electrophysiological parameters was noted after addition of high apical TFP concentrations (50–100μM). This toxic effect was dependent on the presence of Na in the apical solution.