Evidence for the presence of a Na+-H+ exchanger in the endolymphatic sac epithelium of guinea-pigs

 The intracellular pH (pH_i) of epithelial cells from the endolymphatic sac (ES) of the guinea-pig was measured microfluorometrically with the pH-sensitive fluorescent dye, 2′,7′-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) to examine the presence of a Na⁺-H⁺ exchanger (NHE) in the ES epithelial cells. pH_i recovery from acid loading with an NH₄ ⁺-prepulse in a nominally HCO₃-free solution was dependent on extracellular Na⁺ ([Na⁺]_o) and was inhibited by amiloride and its analogue ethylisopropylamiloride (EIPA), suggesting that a decreased pH_i induced by an acute acid load may be equilibrated by a NHE. In the steady-state, amiloride had no effect on pH_i, indicating that the NHE activity is low at the resting pH_i. However, the intracellular acidification induced by the removal of [Na⁺]_o was inhibited by the simultaneous application of amiloride. H⁺-efflux rate (J _H, mean activity of NHE), which was calculated as the product of the recovery rate (dpH_i/dt) from the acid loading and the intrinsic buffering capacity (β_i) at the corresponding pH_i, was decreased as pH_i was increased. The concentration/response curve for the inhibition of initial J _H by EIPA revealed an apparent 50% inhibitory constant (K _i ) of 0.85 μM. Kinetic analysis of initial J _H as a function of [Na⁺]_o revealed a Michaelis-Menten constant (K _m) of 24.14 mM for Na⁺-dependent H⁺ efflux. The results indicate that NHE in the ES epithelium belongs to an amiloride-sensitive subtype. Received: 5 August 1997 / Received after revision and accepted: 26 February 1998     

Comparison of simultaneous pH measurements made with 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulphonic acid (HPTS) and pH-sensitive microelectrodes in snail neurones

 We have evaluated the pyrene-based ratiometric fluorescent dye, 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulphonic acid (HPTS), by using it in conjunction with glass pH-sensitive microelectrodes to measure intracellular pH (pH_i) in voltage-clamped snail neurones. Intracellular acidification with propionic acid, and alkalinization following the activation of H⁺ channels allowed the calibration of the dye to be compared with that of the pH microelectrode over the pH range 6.50–7.50. HPTS calibrated in vitro and glass pH-sensitive microelectrodes produced similar absolute resting pH_i values, 7.16±0.05 (n=10) and 7.17±0.06 (n=9) respectively in nominally CO₂/HCO₃ ^–-free saline. At both extremes of the pH range there were small discrepancies. At acidic pH_i, 6.87±0.09 (n=5), the intracellular HPTS measurement differed by –0.08±0.03 pH units from the pH-sensitive microelectrode measurement. At alkaline pH_i,7.32±0.10 (n=5), HPTS measurements produced pH values that differed by +0.07±0.04 pH units from those of the pH-sensitive microelectrode. Some of the discrepancy could be accounted for by the slow response of the recessed-tip pH-sensitive microelectrode (time constant 77±15 s, n=3). Further experiments showed that HPTS, used at an intracellular concentration of 200 μM to 2 mM, did not block activity-dependent pH_i changes. The intracellular HPTS concentration was calculated by measurement of intracellular chloride during a series of HPTS-KCl injections. Comparison of HPTS with 2′,7′-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5,6-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF), at the same concentration, showed that HPTS produces a larger change in ratio over the pH range 6.00–8.00. Received: 19 February 1998 / Received after revision and accepted: 22 April 1998     

pH-regulatory mechanisms in in vitro perfused rectal gland tubules of Squalus acanthias

 Isolated in vitro perfused rectal gland tubules (RGT) were preincubated with the pH-sensitive dye 2′,7′-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) and pH-regulatory mechanisms were studied. A reduction of bath Cl^– concentration from 269 to 6 mmol/l increased the fluorescence ratio 488/436 [corresponding to cytosolic pH (pH_i)] slightly but significantly (n=10). Depolarization by Ba²⁺ (1 mmol/l) or a bath solution containing 30 mmol/l K⁺ (n=4–6) increased the fluorescence ratio (pH_i). These data suggest that HCO₃ ^– uptake and/or H⁺ extrusion is dependent on Cl^– and/or voltage. A reduction of bath Na⁺ from 278 to 5 mmol/l reduced the ratio significantly (n=3). Addition of trimethylamine (Trima⁺, 20 mmol/l) alkalinized cytosolic pH (n=7). Similarly, addition of NH₄ ⁺ (20 mmol/l) led to an initial alkalinization and a strong acidification when NH₄ ⁺ was removed (n=59). The initial pH_i-recovery rates after NH₄ ⁺ removal were quantified and the responsible H⁺ extrusion and/or HCO₃ ^– import systems were examined. The recovery was almost completely abolished when the extracellular Na⁺ concentration was reduced to 5 mmol/l. In the presence of normal Na⁺, recovery was slower in the absence as compared to the presence of HCO₃ ^– (n=5). It was inhibited by 4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulphonic acid (DIDS) (0.5 mmol/l, n=11) in the presence of HCO₃ ^– and in the absence of HCO₃ ^– by the Na⁺/H⁺-exchange blocker HOE694 (0.5 mmol/l, n=6). These data suggest that acid extrusion probably occurs by basolateral Na⁺-2HCO₃ ^–/Cl^– exchange in the presence of HCO₃ ^– and by basolateral Na⁺/H⁺ exchange in the absence of HCO₃ ^–. Luminal perfusion with a solution containing a low Cl^– concentration (6 mmol/l) increased the fluorescence ratio (pH_i) (n=5). The ratio (pH_i) was further increased and pH recovery further delayed by basolateral addition of Trima⁺ (20 mmol/l, n=3). These data suggest that the HCO₃ ^–/Cl^– exchanger is present in the luminal membrane. Luminal HCO₃ ^–/Cl^– exchange and basolateral Na⁺-2HCO₃ ^–/Cl^– exchange may work in tandem to secrete HCO₃ ^– and exchange it for luminal Cl^–. Received: 7 January 1998 / Received after revision and accepted: 5 March 1998     

Role of physiological HCO3 –buffer on intracellular pH and histamine release in rat peritoneal mast cells

 The purpose of this study was to examine how intracellular pH (pH_i) regulation and histamine release are affected by HCO₃ ^–in rat peritoneal mast cells. The pH_i was measured using the pH-sensitive dye 2′, 7′-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF). We observed a pH_i of 6.88±0.012 (n=24) in resting mast cells exposed to a HEPES buffer (pH 7.4), but a sustained drop of 0.21 pH units to 6.67±0.015 (n=23) when we exposed the mast cells to a HEPES/HCO₃ ^–buffer equilibrated at all time with 5% CO₂ (pH 7.4). This fall in pH_i is inhibited by the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor dichlorphenamide and is Na⁺-independent, indicating the involvement of Na⁺-independent Cl^–/HCO₃ ^–exchange activity. Furthermore removal of external Cl^–in the presence but not in the absence of HCO₃ ^–reversed the Cl^–/HCO₃ ^–exchange and induced an alkaline load. The recovery from this alkaline load was dependent on external Cl^–but independent of Na⁺. Both the alkalinization and the recovery were inhibited by the anion transport inhibitor 4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulphonic acid (DIDS). In addition, ³⁶Cl^–uptake measurements confirm the presence of a Cl^–/HCO₃ ^–exchanger. Histamine release stimulated by antigen and compound 48/80 was substantially reduced in the presence of HEPES/ HCO₃ ^–buffer (pH_o 7.4, pH_i 6.66). Histamine release was increased, however, when pH_i was clamped to 6.66 in HCO₃ ^–-free media (pH_o 6.9). We conclude that: (1) Na⁺-independent Cl^–/HCO₃ ^–exchange determines steady-state pH_i in rat peritoneal mast cells; and (2) the reduction in histamine release observed in the presence of HCO₃ ^–is not due to its effect on pH_i per se, but rather on other changes in ion transport. Received: 29 January 1998 / Received after revision and accepted: 3 April 1998     

Signaling pathways involved with the stimulatory effect of Angiotensin II on vacuolar H+-ATPase in proximal tubule cells

It has been documented that angiotensin II (ANG II) (10⁻⁹ M) stimulates proton extrusion via H⁺-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) in proximal tubule cells. In the present study, we investigated the signaling pathways involved in the effects of ANG II on H⁺-ATPase activity and on the cytosolic free calcium concentration in immortalized rat proximal tubule cells, a permanent cell line derived from rat proximal tubules. The effects of ANG on pH_i and [Ca⁺²]_i were assessed by the fluorescent probes, 2′,7-bis (2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein-acetoxy-methyl ester and fluo-4-acetoxy-methyl ester, in the absence of Na⁺ to block the Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger. In the control situation, the pH recovery rate following intracellular acidification with NH₄Cl was 0.073±0.011 pH units/min (n=12). This recovery was significantly increased with ANG II (10⁻⁹ M), to 0.12±0.015 pH units/min, n=10. This last effect was also followed by a significant increase of Ca⁺² _i, from 99.72±1.704 nM (n=21) to 401.23±33.91 nM (n=39). The stimulatory effect of ANG II was blocked in the presence of losartan, an angiotensin II subtype 1 (AT₁) receptor antagonist. H89 [protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor] plus ANG II had no effect on the pH recovery. Staurosporine [protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor] impaired the effect of ANG II. Phorbol myristate acetate (PKC activator) mimicked in part the stimulatory effect of ANG II, but reduced Ca⁺² _i. 1,2-Bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (intracellular calcium chelator) alone reduced the pH_i recovery rate below control levels and impaired the effect of ANG II, in a way similar to that of trimethoxy benzoate (a blocker of Ca⁺² _i mobilization). We conclude that ANG II regulates rat proximal tubule vacuolar H⁺-ATPase by a PKA-independent mechanism and that PKC and intracellular calcium play a critical role in this regulation.     

Mechanisms of intracellular pH regulation in the hamster inner medullary collecting duct perfused in vitro

To examine the mechanisms of H⁺ transport in the mid-inner medullary collecting duct of hamsters, we measured the intracellular pH (pH_i) in the in vitro perfused tubules by microscopic fluorometry using 2,7-bis(carboxyethyl)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) as a fluorescent probe. In the basal condition, pH_i was 6.74±0.04 (n=45) in HCO ₃ ^– -free modified Ringer solution. Either elimination of Na⁺ from the bath or addition of amiloride (1 mM) to the bath produced a reversible fall in pH_i After acid loading with 25 mM NH₄Cl, pH_i spontaneously recovered with an initial recovery rate of 0.096±0.012 (n=23) pH unit/min. In the absence of ambient Na⁺, after removal of NH ₄ ⁺ , the pH_i remained low (5.95±0.10, n=8) and showed no signs of recovery. Subsequent restoration of Na⁺ only in the lumen had no effect on pH_i. However, when Na⁺ in the bath was returned to the control level, pH_i recovered completely. Amiloride (1 mM) in the bath completely inhibited the Na⁺-dependent pH_i recovery. Furthermore, elimination of Na⁺ from the bath, but not from the lumen, decreased pH_i from 6.97±0.07 to 6.44±0.05 (n=12) in the HCO ₃ ^– /Ringer solution or 6.70±0.03 to 6.02±0.05 (n=8) in the HCO ₃ ^– free solution. pH_i spontaneously returned to 6.76±0.08 with a recovery rate of 0.017±0.5 pH unit/min in the presence of CO₂/HCO ₃ ^– , whereas it did not recover in the absence of CO₂/HCO ₃ ^– . Although elimination of ambient Na⁺ depolarized the basolateral membrane voltage (V _B) from –78±1.2 to –72 ±0.6 mV (n=5, P<0.01), the level of V _B was not sufficient to explain the pH_i recovery solely by HCO ₃ ^– entry driven by the voltage. These results indicate that (a) pH_i of the inner medullary collecting duct is regulated mainly by a Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger in the basolateral membranes, (b) no apparent Na⁺-dependent H⁺ transport system exists in the luminal membranes and (c) Na⁺-independent H⁺ transport may also operate in the presence of CO₂/HCO ₃ ^– Preliminary data were reported at the Conference on Bicarbonate, Chloride, and Proton Transport Systems, New York, USA, in January 1989     

Evidence for electrogenic sodium-bicarbonate cotransport in cultured rat cerebellar astrocytes

We have studied the regulation of intracellular pH (pH_i), and HCO ₃ ⁻ -dependent membrane currents in cultured astrocytes from neonatal rat cerebellum, using the fluorescent pH-sensitive dye 2,7′-bis(carboxyethyl)-5,6-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) and the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The steady-state pH_i was 6.96 in both nominally CO₂/HCO ₃ ⁻ -free, HEPES-buffered saline (6.96 ±0.14;n=48) and in a saline containing 5% CO₂/24 mM HCO ₃ ⁻ (6.96±0.18;n=48) (at pH 7.4). Inhibition of the Na⁺/H⁺ exchange by amiloride (2 mM) caused a significant decrease of pH_i in nominally CO₂/HCO ₃ ⁻ -free saline. Addition of CO₂/HCO ₃ ⁻ in the continuous presence of amiloride induced a large and fast intracellular alkalinization. Removal of external Na⁺ also caused a fall of pH_i, and addition of CO₂/HCO ₃ ⁻ in Na⁺-free saline evoked a further fall of pH_i, while the outward current was reduced or even reversed. The stilbene 4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulphonic acid (DIDS, 0.3 mM) reduced the pH_i recovery from the CO₂/HCO ₃ ⁻ -evoked acidification, and blocked the prominent intracellular acidification upon removal of CO₂/HCO ₃ ⁻ . Removal of external Cl⁻ had little effect on these pH_i changes. Lowering the external pH from 7.4 to 6.6 in CO₂/HCO ₃ ⁻ -containing saline produced a large and rapid intracellular acidification and inward current, which were both greatly reduced by DIDS and in the absence of CO₂/HCO ₃ ⁻ . The results suggest that the CO₂/HCO ₃ ⁻ -dependent current is partly due to a reversible bidirectional, electrogenic Na⁺-HCO ₃ ⁻ cotransporter, which helps to regulate pH_i in these cells. In addition, a prominent Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger contributes to extrude acid equivalents from these astrocytes to maintain the steadystate pH_i.     

Long-term regulation of vacuolar H+-ATPase by angiotensin II in proximal tubule cells

Long-term effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) on vacuolar H⁺-ATPase were studied in a SV40-transformed cell line derived from rat proximal tubules (IRPTC). Using pH_i measurements with the fluorescent dye BCECF, the hormone increased Na⁺-independent pH recovery rate from an NH₄Cl pulse from 0.066 ± 0.014 pH U/min (n = 7) to 0.14 ± 0.021 pH U/min (n = 13; p < 0.05) in 10 h Ang II (10⁻⁹ M)-treated cells. The increased activity of H⁺-ATPase did not involve changes in mRNA or protein abundance of the B2 subunit but increased cell surface expression of the V-ATPase. Inhibition of tyrosine kinase by genistein blocked Ang II-dependent stimulation of H⁺-ATPase. Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) by wortmannin and of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) by SB 203580 also blocked this effect. Thus, long-term exposure of IRPTC cells to Ang II causes upregulation of H⁺-ATPase activity due, at least in part, to increased B2 cell surface expression. This regulatory pathway is dependent on mechanisms involving tyrosine kinase, p38 MAPK, and PI3K activation.     

Basolateral mechanisms of intracellular pH regulation in the colonic epithelial cell line HT29 clone 19A

The intracellular pH (pH_i) of the colonic tumour cell line HT29 cl.19A was studied by microspectrofluorometry using the pH-sensitive dye BCECF. Single cells within a confluent monolayer, grown in a polarized manner on permeable supports, were examined. An amiloride-sensitive Na⁺/H⁺ exchange and a stilbene-insensitive Cl^– /HCO₃ ^– exchange mechanism have been identified in the basolateral membrane. Removal of Na⁺ from the basolateral solution caused a decrease of pH_i by 0.50±0.09 unit (n=4). Amiloride or Na⁺-free solution at the apical side had no effect on pH_i. Cl^– removal at the basolateral side led to an increase of pH_i by 0.20±0.03 unit (n=4) whereas apical removal had no influence on pH_i. This effect was independent of Na⁺ and was insensitive to 0.2 mM 4,4-diisothiocyanatodihydrostilbene-2, 2-disulphonic acid. A basolateral Cl^–/ HCO₃ ^– exchanger is the most likely explanation for this observation. The Na⁺/H⁺ exchange mechanism in the basolateral membrane is an acid extruder, whereas the C1^–/HCO₃ ^– exchanger is an acid loader. Both of these mechanisms are important for the maintenance of intracellular pH in HT29 cl.19A cells.     

Video microscopy of intracellular pH in primary cultures of rabbit proximal and early distal tubules

The purpose of this study was to investigate intracytoplasmic pH (pH_i) regulation in primary cultures of proximal (PCT) and distal bright (DCTb) convoluted tubules. PCT and DCTb segments were microdissected from rabbit kidney cortex and cultured in a hormonally defined medium. The cultured epithelia were grown on semi-transparent permeable supports. The pH_i was determined by video microscopy and digital image processing using 2,7-biscarboxyethyl-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) and measuring the ratio of BCECF fluorescence excited by two successive wavelengths (490 nm and 450 nm). Resting pH_i values, determined in bicarbonatefree medium (extracellular pH: 7.40), were 7.25±0.02 (n=23) and 7.17±0.04 (n=30) for cultured PCT and DCTb respecitively. After the acid-loading procedure, cultured proximal cells recovered their pH_i by means of the classic Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter, sensitive to amiloride and located in the apical membrane only. In cultured DCTb part of the pH_i recovery was mediated by a Na⁺/H⁺ exchange present in the basolateral side. Moreover, at physiological initial pH_i values, chloride removal from the apical solution caused the pH_i to increase in the presence of bicarbonate. In acidified cultured DCTb cells, a partial pH_i recovery was induced in sodium-free media by 15 mM HCO ₃ ^– in the presence of an outward chloride gradient. This pH_i change was completely abolished by 4,4-diisothiocyanostilbene 2,2-disulfonic acid (1 mM). These data suggest that DCTb cells possess in apical anion/base exchanger that resembles the Na⁺-independent Cl^–/HCO ₃ ^– exchanger.     

Role of anions in the regulation of cell volume and intracellular pH in perfused rat mandibular salivary gland

 To investigate the role of Cl^– in the regulation of the basolateral transporters of salivary acinar cells, we have measured cell volume and intracellular pH (pH_i) in perfused rat mandibular glands using proton NMR spectroscopy and BCECF fluorometry respectively. When perfusate Cl^– was replaced by glucuronate, isethionate, methylsulphate, nitrate or thiocyanate, cell volume decreased slowly by about 15% over a 10-min period. Replacement with bromide, which substitutes for Cl^– on the Na⁺-K⁺-2Cl^– cotransporter, caused only a small (4%) reduction in cell volume. Replacement of Cl^– by glucuronate, isethionate or methylsulphate evoked a biphasic increase in pH_i consisting of a rapid initial increase followed by a slower secondary rise whose time course was similar to that of cell shrinkage. As judged by the effects of HCO₃ ^– omission, 100 μM 4,4’-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2’-disulphonic acid (DIDS) and 1 mM amiloride, the initial rise in pH_i was due to Cl^–/HCO₃ ^– exchange while the secondary rise resulted from activation of Na⁺/H⁺ exchange. Although replacement of Cl^– by nitrate or thiocyanate also caused cell shrinkage, these substituting anions were less effective in activating the exchanger. Therefore, while the upregulation of the exchanger following Cl^– replacement may be due in part to cell shrinkage, there is also evidence for the involvement of an anion-sensitive regulatory mechanism. This would be consistent with the hypothesis that both changes in cell volume and in intracellular Cl^– concentration contribute to the up-regulation of the exchanger following muscarinic stimulation. Received: 12 November 1996 / Received after revision: 11 August 1997 / Accepted: 18 August 1997     

Effects of intra- and extracellular H+ and Na+ concentrations on Na+-H+ antiport activity in the lacrimal gland acinar cells

Kinetic properties of the Na⁺-H⁺ antiport in the acinar cells of the isolated, superfused mouse lacrimal gland were studied by measuring intracellular pH (pH_i) and Na⁺ activity (aNa_i) with the aid of double-barreled H⁺- and Na⁺-selective microelectrodes, respectively. Bicarbonate-free solutions were used throughout. Under untreated control conditions, pH_i was 7.12±0.01 and aNa_i was 6.7±0.6 mmol/l. The cells were acid-loaded by exposure to an NH ₄ ⁺ solution followed by an Na⁺-free N-methyl-d-glucamine (NMDG⁺) solution. Intracellular Na⁺ and H⁺ concentrations were manipulated by changing the duration of exposure to the above solutions. Subsequent addition of the standard Na⁺ solution rapidly increased pH_i. This Na⁺-induced increase in pH_i was almost completely inhibited by 0.5 mmol/l amiloride and was associated with a rapid, amiloride-sensitive increase in aNa_i. The rate of pH_i recovery induced by the standard Na⁺ solution increased in a saturable manner as pH_i decreased, and was negligible at pH_i 7.2–7.3, indicating an inactivation of the Na⁺-H⁺ antiport. The apparent K _m for intracellular H⁺ concentration was 105 nmol/l (pH 6.98). The rate of acid extrusion from the acid-loaded cells increased proportionally to the increase in extracellular pH. Depletion of aNa_i to less than 1 mmol/l by prolonged exposure to NMDG⁺ solution significantly increased the rate of Na⁺-dependent acid extrusion. The rate of acid extrusion increased as the extracellular Na⁺ concentration increased following Michaelis-Menten kinetics (V _max was 0.55 pH/min and the apparent K _m was 75 mmol/l at pH_i 6.88). The results clearly showed that the Na⁺-H⁺ antiport activity is dependent on the chemical potential gradient of both Na⁺ and H⁺ ions across the basolateral membrane, and that the antiporter is asymmetric with respect to the substrate affinity of the transport site. The data agree with the current model of activation and inactivation of the antiporter by an intracellular site through changes in the intracellular Na⁺ and H⁺ concentrations.     

Proton transport mechanism in the cell membrane of Xenopus laevis oocytes

Mechanisms of H⁺ transport across the plasma cell membrane of prophase-arrested oocytes of Xenopus laevis were investigated by testing the effect of ion substitutions and inhibitors on cytoplasmic pH (pH_i), membrane potential (V _m) and membrane resistance (R _m). During superfusion with control solution of pH=7.4, pH_i was 7.49±0.12 (n=15), V _m was –61.9±7.8 mV (n=34) (cytoplasm negative), and R _m was 2.9±1.5 M (n=19). These data confirm that H⁺ ions are not distributed at electrochemical equilibrium. By following pH_i during recovery of the oocytes from an acid load (20 mmol/l NH₄Cl) in the presence and absence of extracellular Na⁺ or amiloride (1 mmol/l), a Na/H exchanger was identified. On the basis of the known Na⁺ gradient across the cell membrane, this transporter could suffice to generate the observed H⁺ disequilibrium distribution. Utilizing blockers or ion-concentration-step experiments no evidence was obtained for an ATP-driven H⁺ pump or for passive acid/base transporters such as H⁺ conductances or Na⁺ (HCO ₃ ^– )₃ cotransport. The membrane depolarization observed in response to extracellular acidification appeared to result from a pH-dependent, Ba²⁺-inhibitable K⁺ conductance.     

Regulation of the Na+2Cl–K+ cotransporter in in vitro perfused rectal gland tubules of Squalus acanthias

 Previously it has been shown that the Na⁺2Cl^–K⁺ cotransporter accepts NH₄ ⁺ at its K⁺ binding site. This property can be used to estimate its transport rates by adding NH₄ ⁺ to the bath and measuring the initial furosemide-dependent rates of change in BCECF fluorescence. We have utilized this technique to determine the regulation of the furosemide-inhibitable Na⁺2Cl^–K⁺ cotransporter in in vitroperfused rectal gland tubules (RGT) of Squalus acanthias. Addition of NH₄ ⁺ to the bath (20 mmol/l) led to an initial alkalinization, corresponding to NH₃ uptake. This was followed by an acidification, corresponding to NH₄ ⁺ uptake. The rate of this uptake was quantified by exponential curve fitting and is given in arbitrary units (Δfluorescence/time). This acidification could be completely inhibited by furosemide. In the absence of any secretagogue preincubation of RGT in a low Cl^– solution (6 mmol/l, low Cl^–) for 10 min enhanced the uptake rate significantly from 4.04±0.51 to 12.7±1.30 (n=5). The addition of urea (200 mmol/l) was without effect, but the addition of 300 mmol/l mannitol (+300 mannitol) enhanced the rate significantly from 7.24±1.33 to 14.7±4.6 (n=6). Stimulation of NaCl secretion by a solution maximizing the cytosolic cAMP concentration (Stim) led to a significant increase in NH₄ ⁺ uptake rate from 5.00±1.33 to 13.3±1.54 (n=6). Similar results were obtained in the additional presence of Ba²⁺ (1 mmol/l): the uptake rate was increased significantly from 4.23±0.34 to 15.1±1.86 (n=16). In the presence of Stim low Cl^– had no additional effect on the uptake rate: 15.1±3.1 versus 15.2±2.8 in high Cl^– (n=6). The uptake rate in Stim containing additional +300 mannitol (22.3±4.0, n=5) was not significantly different from that obtained with Stim or +300 mannitol alone. By whatever mechanism the NH₄ ⁺ uptake rate was increased furosemide (500 μmol/l) always reduced this rate to control values. Hence three manoeuvres enhanced furosemide-inhibitable uptake rates of the Na⁺2Cl^–K⁺ cotransporter probably independently: (1) lowering of cytosolic Cl^– concentration; (2) cell shrinkage; and (3) activation by cAMP. Received: 3 March 1998 / Received after revision: 22 April 1998 / Accepted: 27 April 1998     

Evidence for an electrogenic, negatively protein-kinase-A-modulated, Na+-dependent HCO3 – transporter in human lymphocytes

 We studied the effects of external HCO₃ ^– on pH_i regulation in human lymphocytes after an acid load. Cells were acidified by preincubation with NH₄Cl and pH_i recovery was measured with the fluorescent dye BCECF. Cells recovering in HCO₃ ^–-containing medium reached a higher final pH_i, the H⁺ efflux rate was increased and shifted to alkaline pH_i compared to that of cells recovering in HCO₃ ^–-free solution. The resting pH_i was higher in a HCO₃ ^–-containing solution. Experiments carried out in the presence of amiloride, DIDS and in the absence of external Na⁺ suggest the existence of two major mechanisms acting in the pH_i recovery of lymphocytes after an acid load: an amiloride-sensitive Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger and a DIDS-sensitive Na⁺-dependent HCO₃ ^–transporter. The last mechanism could be a Na⁺/HCO₃ ^–cotransporter based on membrane potential changes determined with the potential-sensitive fluorescent probe bis-oxonol. Preincubation of cells with forskolin and H-89 showed protein-kinase-A-dependent downregulation of the amiloride-insensitive recovery of pH_i in human lymphocytes. In summary, this paper provides functional evidence for the existence of a Na⁺/HCO₃ ^–-dependent mechanism involved in pH_i recovery in human lymphocytes following an acid load, that is electrogenic and downregulated by PKA. Received: 14 October 1998 / Received after revision: 12 January 1999 / Accepted: 18 January 1999     

Na+/H+ exchange regulates intracellular pH of rat gastric surface cells in vivo

Intracellular pH (pH_i) and viability of gastric surface cells of the rat stomach in response to luminal acidification, and the role of Na⁺/H⁺ exchange in maintaining pH_i homeostasis were studied in vivo using a fluorescent microscopic technique. pH_i was measured during superfusion with buffers of pH 1.2–7.4. When the pH of the superfusate was 7.4, baseline pH_i was unchanged. Superfusion with pH 3 buffer rapidly decreased pH_i to 6.7, with subsequent recovery to baseline pH_i within 15 min despite continuing acid exposure. Superfusion with buffers of pH 1.7 and 1.2 decreased pH_i continuously to below 6.2 with no recovery observed. Despite the relentless decline in pH_i during superfusion with pH-1.2 and –1.7 solutions, over 75% of the surface cells were still viable, as measured by exclusion of the vital dye propidium iodide. We then examined the role of Na⁺/H⁺ exchange in the regulation of pH_i. Superfusion with amiloride did not affect recovery of pH_i from intracellular acidification induced by a NH₄Cl prepulse. Exposure to the potent, lipophilic Na⁺/H⁺ exchange inhibitor 5-(N,N-hexaniethylene)-amiloride (HMA), either in the superfusate or by close arterial perfusion, decreased baseline pH_i from 7.1 to 6.8. Close arterial perfusion of HMA additionally attenuated the recovery of pH_i to baseline during superfusion with pH 3 buffer. We conclude that luminal protons permeate into the cytoplasm of gastric surface cells, where they are eliminated by an Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger, most probably localized to the basolateral membrane.     

Na+-H+ exchange is not important for pancreatic HCO-3 secretion in the pig

Veel , T., Villanger , O., Holthe , M.R., Cragoe jr ., E.J. & Reder , M.G. 1992. Na⁺-H exchange is not important for pancreatic HCO^-₃ secretion in the pig. Acta Physiol Scand 144 , 239–246. Received 13 September 1991, accepted 14 November 1991. ISSN 0001–6772. University of Oslo, Institute for Experimental Medical Research and Surgical Department, Ullevaal Hospital, Oslo, Norway. Pancreatic inter- and intralobular duct cells extrude H⁺-ions to interstitial fluid when they secrete HCO^-₃ to pancreatic juice. This study assesses the potential importance of Na⁺-H⁺-ion exchange for H⁺-ion extrusion and secretion of HCO^-₃ using the Na⁺-H⁺ exchange blockers amiloride and hexamethylene-amiloride. Intracellular pH (pH,) in inter- and intralobular pancreatic duct epithelium was measured using BCECF fluorescence. H⁺-ion efflux was measured using a NH₄Cl prepulse, acid-loading technique. In HCO^-₃-free media, pH₁ recovery following acid loading was blocked by amiloride (10^-4 m) and hexamethylene-amiloride (10^-6 m) , demonstrating amiloride-and hexamethylene-amiloride-sensitive Na⁺-H⁺ exchange. However, 5 × 10^-6 M hexamethylene-amiloride did not reduce secretin-dependent pancreatic HCO, secretion in vivo. Maximal H⁺-efflux through Na⁺-H⁺ exchange was 1.5 ± 0.2μmol min^-1 ml cell volume^-l, i.e. less than 1 % of estimated net H⁺-ion efflux during HCO^-₃ secretion. Conclusion: amiloride- and hexamethylene amiloride sensitive Na⁺-H⁺ exchange is not important for secretin-dependent pancreatic HCO^-₃ secretion in the pig. Other mechanisms for H⁺ extrusion dominate.     

Effects of the Na+/H+-exchange inhibitor Hoe 642 on intracellular pH,calcium and sodium in isolated rat ventricular myocytes

 The inhibitors of the Na⁺/H⁺-exchange (NHE1) system Hoe 694 and Hoe 642 possess cardioprotective effects in ischaemia/reperfusion. It is assumed that these effects are due to the prevention of intracellular sodium (Na_i) and calcium (Ca_i) overload. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of Hoe 642 on intracellular pH, Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ (pH_i, Na_i and Ca_i) in isolated rat ventricular myocytes under anoxic conditions or in cells in which oxidative phosphorylation had been inhibited by 1.5 mmol/l cyanide. In cells which were dually loaded with the fluorescent dyes 2,7-biscarboxyethyl-5,6-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) and Fura-2, anoxia caused acidification of the cells (from pH_i 7.2 to pH_i 6.8) and an increase in Ca_i from about 50 nmol/l to about 1 μmol/l. The decrease in pH_i began before the cells underwent hypoxic (rigor) contracture, whereas Ca_i only began to rise after rigor shortening had taken place. After reoxygenation, pH_i returned to its control value and Ca_i oscillated and then declined to resting levels. It was during this phase that the cells rounded up (hypercontracture). When 10 μmol/l Hoe 642 was present from the beginning of the experiment, pH_i and Ca_i were not significantly different from control experiments. At reoxygenation, pH_i did not recover, but Ca_i oscillated and returned to its resting level. To monitor Na_i, the cells were loaded with the dye SBFI. After adding 1.5 mmol/l cyanide or 100 μmol/l ouabain, Na_i increased from the initial 8 mmol/l to approximately 16 mmol/l. Hoe 642 or Hoe 694 (10 μmol/l) did not prevent the increase in Na_i. In contrast, the blocker of the persistent Na⁺ current R56865 (10 μmol/l) attenuated the CN^–-induced rise in Na_i. The substance ethylisopropylamiloride was not used because it augmented considerably the intensity of the 380 nm wavelength of the cell’s autofluorescence. In conclusion, the specific NHE1 inhibitor Hoe 642 did not attenuate anoxia-induced Ca_i overload, nor CN^–-induced Na_i and Ca_i overload. Hoe 642 prevented the recovery of pH_i from anoxic acidification. This low pH_i maintained after reoxygenation may be cardioprotective. Other possible mechanisms of NHE1 inhibitors, such as prevention of Ca²⁺ overload in mitochondria, cannot be ruled out. The increase in Na_i during anoxia is possibly due to an influx of Na⁺ via persistent Na⁺ channels. Received: 1 March 1996 / Received after revision: 30 April 1996 / Accepted: 12 July 1996     

The colon carcinoma cell line Caco-2 contains an H+/K+-ATPase that contributes to intracellular pH regulation

The presence of an H⁺/K⁺-ATPase and its contribution to the regulation of intracellular pH (pH_i) was investigated in Caco-2 cells. The H⁺/K⁺-ATPase was detected immunologically using the monoclonal antibody 5-B6, which was raised against hog gastric H⁺/K⁺-ATPase. Cell pH was determined using the pH-sensitive dye 2,7-bis(carboxyethyl)-carboxyfruorescein. Control pH_i, measured in HCO ₃ ^– -free medium, was 7.62±0.03 (n=27) when cells were cultured for 14 days and decreased to 7.40±0.03 (n=18) after 35 days in culture. Recovery of pH_i following a NH ₄ ⁺ /NH₃ pulse could be reduced by either 100 M SCH 28080 or 1 mM amiloride, or by removing extracellular Na⁺. The inhibitory effects of SCH 28080 and amiloride were additive, demonstrating the involvement of a gastric-like H⁺/K⁺-ATPase and a Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger in regulating pH_i. Recovery rates at pH_i 6.8 were not significantly different in cells cultured for up to 21 days, but were significantly lower in cells cultured for 28 and 35 days. This decrease in recovery rate was due to a decrease in the SCH-28080-insensitive recovery, indicating a reduction of the relative importance of Na⁺/H⁺ exchange to the recovery. Recovery of pH_i was also inhibited by 1 mM N-ethylmaleimide. However, it is unlikely that N-ethylmaleimide inhibited a vacuolar type of H⁺-ATPase, since bafilomycin A₁ had no effect on pH_i recovery. In conclusion, Caco-2 cells contain a SCH-28080-sensitive mechanism for regulating pH_i, which is most conveniently studied after 28 days in culture, when the relative contribution of a Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger to pH_i regulation is decreased.