Hyposmolality stimulates apical membrane Na(+)/H(+) exchange and HCO(3)(-) absorption in renal thick ascending limb

The regulation of epithelial Na(+)/H(+) exchangers (NHEs) by hyposmolality is poorly understood. In the renal medullary thick ascending limb (MTAL), transepithelial bicarbonate (HCO(3)(-)) absorption is mediated by apical membrane Na(+)/H(+) exchange, attributable to NHE3. In the present study we examined the effects of hyposmolality on apical Na(+)/H(+) exchange activity and HCO(3)(-) absorption in the MTAL of the rat. In MTAL perfused in vitro with 25 mM HCO(3)(-) solutions, decreasing osmolality in the lumen and bath by removal of either mannitol or sodium chloride significantly increased HCO(3)(-) absorption. The responses to lumen addition of the inhibitors ethylisopropyl amiloride, amiloride, or HOE 694 are consistent with hyposmotic stimulation of apical NHE3 activity and provide no evidence for a role for apical NHE2 in HCO(3)(-) absorption. Hyposmolality increased apical Na(+)/H(+) exchange activity over the pH(i) range 6.5-7.5 due to an increase in V(max). Pretreatment with either tyrosine kinase inhibitors or with the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor molybdate completely blocked stimulation of HCO(3)(-) absorption by hyposmolality. These results demonstrate that hyposmolality increases HCO(3)(-) absorption in the MTAL through a novel stimulation of apical membrane Na(+)/H(+) exchange and provide the first evidence that NHE3 is regulated by hyposmotic stress. Stimulation of apical Na(+)/H(+) exchange activity in renal cells by a decrease in osmolality may contribute to such pathophysiological processes as urine acidification by diuretics, diuretic resistance, and renal sodium retention in edematous states.     

Intracellular pH regulation of CA1 neurons in Na+/H+ isoform 1 mutant mice

To understand the role of Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 1 (NHE1) in intracellular pH (pH(i)) regulation and neuronal function, we took advantage of natural knockout mice lacking NHE1, the most ubiquitously and densely expressed NHE isoform in the central nervous system (CNS). CA1 neurons from both wild-type (WT) and NHE1 mutant mice were studied by continuous monitoring of pH(i), using the fluorescent indicator carboxy-seminaphthorhodafluor-1 (SNARF-1) and confocal microscopy. In the nominal absence of CO(2)/HCO(3)(-), steady-state pH(i) was higher in WT neurons than in mutant neurons. Using the NH(4)Cl prepulse technique, we also show that H(+) flux in WT neurons was much greater than in mutant neurons. The recovery from acid load was blocked in WT neurons, but not in mutant neurons, by removal of Na(+) from the extracellular solution or by using 100 microM 3-(methylsulfonyl-4-piperidino-benzoyl)-guanidine methanesulfonate (HOE 694) in HEPES buffer. Surprisingly, in the presence of CO(2)/HCO(3)(-), the difference in H(+) flux between WT and mutant mice was even more exaggerated, with a difference of more than 250 microM/s between them at pH 6.6. H(+) flux in CO(2)/HCO(3)(-) was responsive to diisothiocyanato-stilbene-2, 2'-disulfonate (DIDS) in the WT but not in the mutant. We conclude that (a) the absence of NHE1 in the mutant neurons tended to cause lower steady-state pH(i) and, perhaps more importantly, markedly reduced the rate of recovery from an acid load; and (b) this difference in the rate of recovery between mutant and WT neurons was surprisingly larger in the presence, rather than in the absence, of HCO(3)(-), indicating that the presence of NHE1 is essential for the regulation and/or functional expression of both HCO(3)(-)-dependent and -independent transporters in neurons.     

Novel amiloride-sensitive sodium-dependent proton secretion in the mouse proximal convoluted tubule

The proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) reabsorbs most of the filtered bicarbonate. Proton secretion is believed to be mediated predominantly by an apical membrane Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE). Several NHE isoforms have been cloned, but only NHE3 and NHE2 are known to be present on the apical membrane of the PCT. Here we examined apical membrane PCT sodium-dependent proton secretion of wild-type (NHE3(+/+)/NHE2(+/+)), NHE3(-/-), NHE2(-/-), and double-knockout NHE3(-/-)/NHE2(-/-) mice to determine their relative contribution to luminal proton secretion. NHE2(-/-) and wild-type mice had comparable rates of sodium-dependent proton secretion. Sodium-dependent proton secretion in NHE3(-/-) mice was approximately 50% that of wild-type mice. The residual sodium-dependent proton secretion was inhibited by 100 microM 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl) amiloride (EIPA). Luminal sodium-dependent proton secretion was the same in NHE3(-/-)/NHE2(-/-) as in NHE3(-/-) mice. These data point to a previously unrecognized Na(+)-dependent EIPA-sensitive proton secretory mechanism in the proximal tubule that may play an important role in acid-base homeostasis.     

LLC-PK(1) cells stably expressing the human norepinephrine transporter: A functional model of carrier-mediated norepinephrine release in protracted myocardial ischemia.

In myocardial ischemia, adrenergic terminals undergo ATP depletion, hypoxia, and intracellular pH reduction, causing the accumulation of axoplasmic norepinephrine (NE) and intracellular Na(+) [via the Na(+)-H(+) exchanger (NHE)]. This forces the reversal of the Na(+)- and Cl(-)-dependent NE transporter (NET), triggering massive carrier-mediated NE release and, thus, arrhythmias. We have now developed a cellular model of carrier-mediated NE release using an LLC-PK(1) cell line stably transfected with human NET cDNA (LLC-NET). LLC-NET cells transported [(3)H]NE and [(3)H]N-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ([(3)H]MPP(+)) in an inward direction. This uptake was abolished by the NET inhibitors desipramine (100 nM) and mazindol (300 nM) and by extracellular Na(+) removal. Na(+)-gradient reversal induced an efflux of (3)H-substrate from preloaded LLC-NET cells. Desipramine and mazindol blocked this efflux. Because of its greater intracellular stability and higher sensitivity to Na(+)-gradient reversal, [(3)H]MPP(+) proved preferable to [(3)H]NE as an NET substrate; therefore, only [(3)H]MPP(+) was used for subsequent studies. The K(+)/H(+) ionophore nigericin (10 microM) evoked a large efflux of [(3)H]MPP(+). This efflux was potentiated by the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase inhibitor ouabain (100 microM), was sensitive to desipramine, and was blocked by the NHE inhibitor 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)-amiloride (EIPA; 10 microM). In contrast, EIPA failed to inhibit the [(3)H]MPP(+) efflux elicited by the Na(+) ionophore gramicidin (10 microM). Furthermore, [(3)H]MPP(+) efflux induced by the NHE-stimulant proprionate (25 mM) was negatively modulated by imidazoline receptor activation. Our findings suggest that LLC-NET cells are a sensitive model for studying transductional processes of carrier-mediated NE release associated with myocardial ischemia.     

Effect of Luminal Sodium Concentration on Bicarbonate Absorption in Rat Jejunum

An exchange of Na(+) for H(+) has been proposed to explain why jejunal Na(+) absorption is influenced by luminal concentrations of H(+) and HCO(3) (-). We studied the influence of luminal Na(+) concentration on net HCO(3) (-) absorption by perfusing rat jejunum in vivo. When Na(+) was omitted from the perfusion fluid, HCO(3) (-) absorption diminished by a fixed amount over a range of initial HCO(3) (-) concentrations of 15 to 80 mM. This change was not caused by alterations in transmural PD or direction of water movement. Because the rate of HCO(3) (-) absorption decreased as the luminal HCO(3) (-) concentration lessened, Na(+)-dependent HCO(3) (-) absorption accounted for an increasing percent of total absorption as the luminal concentration of HCO(3) (-) diminished.The effect of Na(+) on HCO(3) (-) absorption is mediated, at least in part, by H(+) secretion, because luminal CO(2) production (manifested by luminal P(CO2)) dimished as HCO(3) (-) absorption decreased. The changes in P(CO2) are caused by reaction of H(+) with HCO(3) (-) in the luminal fluid because luminal P(CO2) is augmented by the presence of HCO(3) (-) and is diminished by addition of phosphate or Tris buffer.Whether all H(+) secretion requires luminal Na(+) cannot be determined with these experimental techniques because mucosal permeability to Na(+) and the unstirred layer make it impossible to eliminate Na(+) ions from the luminal cell surface. The nature of the mechanism for HCO(3) (-) transport that is not sodium dependent remains to be determined.     

Electroneutral K+/HCO3- cotransport in cells of medullary thick ascending limb of rat kidney.

The renal medullary thick ascending limb (MTAL) of the rat absorbs bicarbonate through luminal H+ secretion and basolateral HCO3- transport into the peritubular space. To characterize HCO3- transport, intracellular pH (pHi) was monitored by use of the pH-sensitive fluorescent probe (2',7')-bis-(carboxyethyl)-(5,6)-carboxyfluorescein in fresh suspensions of rat MTAL tubules. When cells were preincubated in HCO3-/CO2-containing solutions and then abruptly diluted into HCO3-/CO2-free media, the pHi response was an initial alkalinization due to CO2 efflux, followed by an acidification (pHi recovery). The pHi recovery required intracellular HCO3-, was inhibited by 10(-4) M diisothiocyanostilbene-2-2'-disulphonic acid (DIDS), and was not dependent on Cl- or Na+. As assessed by use of the cell membrane potential-sensitive fluorescent probe 3,3'-dipropylthiadicarbocyanine, cell depolarization by abrupt Cl- removal from or addition of 2 mM barium into the external medium did not affect HCO3(-)-dependent pHi recovery, and the latter was not associated per se with any change in potential difference, which indicated that HCO3- transport was electroneutral. The HCO3(-)-dependent pHi recovery was inhibited by raising extracellular potassium concentration and by intracellular potassium depletion. Finally, as measured by use of a K(+)-selective extracellular electrode, a component of K+ efflux out of the cells was HCO3- dependent and DIDS sensitive. The results provide evidence for an electroneutral K+/HCO3- cotransport in rat MTAL cells.     

Mineralocorticoids and acidosis regulate H+/HCO3- transport of intercalated cells.

The effects of acidosis and mineralocorticoids on cellular H+/HCO3- transport mechanisms were examined in intercalated cells of the outer stripe of outer medullary collecting duct (OMCDo) from rabbit. Intracellular pH (pHi) of intercalated cells was monitored by fluorescence ratio imaging using 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF). pHi recovered from an acid load at 2.8 +/- 0.5 x 10(-3) pHU/s in the absence of ambient Na+. This pHi recovery rate was similar in chronic acidosis induced by NH4Cl loading, but it was enhanced (+111%) by treatment with deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA). In a DOCA-treated group, luminal 10 microM SCH28080 and 0.1 mM omeprazole, H(+)-K(+)-ATPase inhibitors, did not change the pHi recovery rate, while luminal 0.5 mM N-ethylmaleimide blocked the rate by 68%. DOCA, but not acidosis, increased (approximately 40%) initial pHi response to bath HCO3- or Cl- reduction in Na(+)-free condition. After an acid load in the absence of Na+ and HCO3-, pHi response to basolateral Na+ addition was stimulated (+66%) by acidosis, but not by DOCA. Our results suggest that (a) mineralocorticoids stimulate H+/HCO3- transport mechanisms involved in transepithelial H+ secretion, i.e., a luminal NEM-sensitive H+ pump and basolateral Na(+)-independent Cl(-)-HCO3- exchange; and (b) acidosis enhances the activity of basolateral Na(+)-H+ exchange that may be responsible for pHi regulation.     

Calcium-sensing receptor stimulates luminal K+-dependent H+ excretion in medullary thick ascending limbs of Henle's loop of mouse kidney

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is known well as a sensor of extracellular calcium for regulating parathyroid hormone secretion. CaSR is located along all nephron segments in the kidney. While hypercalcemia strongly enhances urinary acidification, the relationship between CaSR and acid-base metabolism in the kidney is still uncertain. In the present study, we examined whether CaSR activation caused acid secretion in the medullary thick ascending limb (mTAL), which is one of the major nephron segments involved in both mineral and acid-base regulation. The effects of a potent calcimimetic neomycin (Neo) on intracellular pH (pHi) were analyzed in the in vitro miroperfused mouse mTALs. The mTALs were incubated with 2,7-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluoresceine-acetoxymethylester (BCECF-AM) for microfluorescent pHi measurements. In HCO(3)(-)/CO(2)-buffered solution, the steady-state pHi was 7.17 +/- 0.01 (n = 19). Basolateral Neo at 0.4 mM in basolateral side significantly alkalinized the mTAL cells to 7.28 +/- 0.02 (n = 19), while Neo in the lumen had no effect on pHi. Neo in the basolateral side alkalinized the mTALs in the absence of ambient Na(+) and the presence of H(+)-ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin in the lumen, indicating that the effect of Neo is unrelated to Na(+)-dependent acid-base transporters such as Na(+)-H(+) exchangers and Na(+)-HCO(3)(-) cotransporter, or to luminal H(+)-ATPase. In contrast, the effect of Neo on pHi was inhibited by K(+) removal or treatment with specific H(+)-K(+)-ATPase (HKa) inhibitors, ouabain and Sch-28080, in the lumen. Our results suggest that hypercalcemia induces urinary acidification partly by stimulating luminal K(+)-dependent H(+)-excretion via CaSR in mouse mTALs.     

On the Mechanism of Action of Triamterene: Effects on Transport of Na+, K+, and HVHCO-3 -ions.

The rat salivary duct epithelium, which actively transports Na+, K+, and H+/HCO3- in a manner similar to renal distal tubules, was used as a model tissue to study the mechanism of action of triamterene on electrolyte transport. 10(-4) M triamterene completely blocked Na+ resorption and lowered net K+ secretion to half that of controls, whereas HCO3- accumlated in the lumen, probably due to a decrease in H+ secretion. The rates of K+ and H+/HCO3- transport in the presence of triamterene did not differ from those determined after omission of Na+ from the luminal fluid. This was considered to be evidence against a direct action of triamterene on transport of K+ and H+/HCO3-. Triamterene rapidly and reversibly reduced the transepithelial electrical potential difference. This was due to almost complete abolition of Na+ conductance of the luminal membrane at 10(-4) M triamterene, whereas K+ conductance was not altered. Triamterene, administered in vitro from the interstitial side of the isolated duct epithelium was ineffective even at the highest concentrations. The activities of the Na-K-ATPase, the Mg-ATPase and the microsomal HCO3-ATPase were influenced by 10(-4) M triameterene in a similiar fashion. These effects were clearly demonstrated only in the homogenate of the duct tissue and not in intact cells in the isolated duct preparation. Therefore they were considered unspecific. The transport studied demonstrate a primary effect of triamterene on Na+ entry from lumen to cell. Influences on net K+ and H+/HCO3 transport are secondary consequences of functional coupling between movement of Na+ and movement of K+ and H+ across the luminal cell membrane.     

Na+-dependent recovery of intracellular pH from acid loading in mouse colonic crypt cells

The membrane transport mechanism for regulating the intracellular pH value (pHi) was investigated in mouse distal colon crypt cells. pHi was measured by microfluorometry in an isolated crypt fragment loaded with the pH-sensitive fluoroprobe, 2',7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(6) carboxyfluorescein. The pHi recovery process after acid loading induced by a 40 mM NH4Cl prepulse was almost totally dependent on Na+ in both the presence and absence of CO2/HCO3- in the perfusion solution. In the CO2/HCO3(-)-free, HEPES-buffered solution, amiloride partially inhibited the pHi recovery rate from acid loading with an ED50 value of 15 microM and maximum inhibition of 83%. In a CO2/HCO3- solution, amiloride inhibited the pHi recovery rate with an ED50 value of 18 microM, which was similar to that in the HEPES-buffered solution, while the rate of pHi recovery remaining in the presence of the maximum effective concentration of amiloride was significantly larger than that in the HEPES-buffered solution. The Na+-dependent pHi recovery from the acid loading was significantly less (by 18%) in the presence of forskolin. These results suggest that the pHi recovery from acid loading was mediated by 1) amiloride-sensitive Na+/H+ exchanger, 2) the amiloride-insensitive Na+/H+ exchanger, and 3) the Na+- and HCO3(-)-dependent acid extruder. The pHi recovery could be inhibited by cAMP.     

Molecular basis of ocular abnormalities associated with proximal renal tubular acidosis

Proximal renal tubular acidosis associated with ocular abnormalities such as band keratopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts is caused by mutations in the Na(+)-HCO(3)(-) cotransporter (NBC-1). However, the mechanism by which NBC-1 inactivation leads to such ocular abnormalities remains to be elucidated. By immunological analysis of human and rat eyes, we demonstrate that both kidney type (kNBC-1) and pancreatic type (pNBC-1) transporters are present in the corneal endothelium, trabecular meshwork, ciliary epithelium, and lens epithelium. In the human lens epithelial (HLE) cells, RT-PCR detected mRNAs of both kNBC-1 and pNBC-1. Although a Na(+)-HCO(3)-cotransport activity has not been detected in mammalian lens epithelia, cell pH (pH(i)) measurements revealed the presence of Cl(-)-independent, electrogenic Na(+)-HCO(3)-cotransport activity in HLE cells. In addition, up to 80% of amiloride-insensitive pH(i) recovery from acid load in the presence of HCO(3)(-)/CO(2) was inhibited by adenovirus-mediated transfer of a specific hammerhead ribozyme against NBC-1, consistent with a major role of NBC-1 in overall HCO(3)-transport by the lens epithelium. These results indicate that the normal transport activity of NBC-1 is indispensable not only for the maintenance of corneal and lenticular transparency but also for the regulation of aqueous humor outflow.     

Kinetics of the human lymphocyte Na(+)-H+ exchanger

1. A human lymphocyte preparation, obtained by Percoll gradient centrifugation and free of contaminating monocytes and granulocytes, was used to study the kinetics of the Na(+)-H+ exchanger through activation by nigericin-induced acidic loading. The fluorescent probe biscarboxyethylcarboxyfluorescein (acetoxymethyl ester) was used to determine cell pH and buffering capacity and to measure Na(+)-H+ exchange activity as external Na(+)-dependent H+ efflux. 2. At a cell pH of 6.2, H+ efflux was stimulated by external Na+ with a Km of 30 mmol/l (SEM 6, n = 3) and a calculated Vmax. of 0.73 mmol s-1 l-1 of cell water (SEM 0.06, n = 6). External Na(+)-dependent H+ efflux was more than 98% inhibited and half-maximally inhibited by 200 mumol/l and 17 mumol/l amiloride, respectively. The external pH also inhibited Na(+)-H+ exchange, with a Ki of 93 nmol/l. 3. Na(+)-H+ exchange was sigmoidally activated by an internal pH lower than 7.0 with a Hill coefficient of 2.14 (SEM 0.15, n = 6) and a pK of 6.57 (SEM 0.03, n = 6). Cell buffering capacity was also measured as a function of cell pH and found to gradually increase from 14 to 26 mmol l-1 of cell water pH-1 when cell pH fell below 6.6. The maximal transport rate (cell pH 6.0-6.2) was 0.50 mmol (s l of cell water)-1 (SEM 0.08, n = 12) and ranged between 0.25 and 1.10.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Basolateral Na+/HCO3– cotransport activity is regulated by the dissociable Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor

In the renal proximal tubule, the activities of the basolateral Na(+)/HCO(3)(-) cotransporter (NBC) and the apical Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE3) uniformly vary in parallel, suggesting that they are coordinately regulated. PKA-mediated inhibition of NHE3 is mediated by a PDZ motif-containing protein, the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger regulatory factor (NHE-RF). Given the common inhibition of these transporters after protein kinase A (PKA) activation, we sought to determine whether NHE-RF also plays a role in PKA-regulated NBC activity. Renal cortex immunoblot analysis using anti-peptide antibodies directed against rabbit NHE-RF demonstrated the presence of this regulatory factor in both brush-border membranes (BBMs) and basolateral membranes (BLMs). Using a reconstitution assay, we found that limited trypsin digestion of detergent solubilized rabbit renal BLM preparations resulted in NBC activity that was unaffected by PKA activation. Co-reconstitution of these trypsinized preparations with a recombinant protein corresponding to wild-type rabbit NHE-RF restored the inhibitory effect of PKA on NBC activity in a concentration-dependent manner. NBC activity was inhibited 60% by 10(-8)M NHE-RF; this effect was not observed in the absence of PKA. Reconstitution with heat-denatured NHE-RF also failed to attenuate NBC activity. To establish further a physiologic role for NHE-RF in NBC regulation, the renal epithelial cell line B-SC-1, which lacks detectable endogenous NHE-RF expression, was engineered to express stably an NHE-RF transgene. NHE-RF-expressing B-SC-1 cells (B-SC-RF) exhibited markedly lower basal levels of NBC activity than did wild-type controls. Inhibition of NBC activity in B-SC-RF cells was enhanced after 10 microM of forskolin treatment, consistent with a postulated role for NHE-RF in mediating the inhibition of NBC activity by PKA. These findings not only suggest NHE-RF involvement in PKA-regulated NBC activity, but also provide a unique molecular mechanism whereby basolateral NBC and apical NHE3 activities may be coordinately regulated in renal proximal tubule cells.     

Mineralocorticoid modulation of apical and basolateral membrane H+/OH-/HCO3- transport processes in the rabbit inner stripe of outer medullary collecting duct.

To examine the mechanism by which mineralocorticoids regulate HCO3- absorption in the rabbit inner stripe of the outer medullary collecting duct, we microfluorometrically measured intracellular pH (pHi) in in vitro perfused tubules using 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) assaying the apical and basolateral membrane H+/OH-/HCO3- transport processes in three groups of animals: those receiving chronic in vivo DOCA treatment (5 mg/kg per d x 2 wk); those with surgical adrenalectomy (ADX, [chronic x 2 wk]) on glucocorticoid replacement; and controls. Baseline pHi was not different in the three groups. Cellular volume (vol/mm) was increased 38% in DOCA tubules versus controls, but unchanged in ADX tubules versus controls. Buffer capacities (BT) were not different in the three groups. Apical membrane H+ pump activity, assayed as the Na(+)-independent pHi recovery from an acid load (NH3/NH4+ prepulse) and expressed as JH (dpHi/dt.vol/mm.BT) was increased 76% in DOCA tubules versus controls, and decreased 56% in ADX tubules versus controls. Basolateral membrane Cl-/HCO3- exchange activity assayed as the pHi response to basolateral Cl- addition was increased 73% in DOCA tubules versus controls, and decreased 44% in ADX tubules versus controls. When examined as a function of varying [Cl-], the Vmax of Cl-/HCO3- exchange activity was significantly increased in DOCA tubules (control, 72.7 +/- 15.7 pmol.mm-1.min-1 vs DOCA, 132.3 +/- 22.5 pmol.mm-1.min-1, P less than 0.02), while the K1/2 for Cl- was unchanged. Basolateral membrane Na+/H+ antiporter activity assayed as the Na(+)-dependent pHi recovery from an acid load was not changed in chronic DOCA tubules versus controls. In conclusion, the apical membrane H+ pump and basolateral membrane Cl-/HCO3- exchanger of the rabbit OMCDi are regulated in parallel without chronic alterations in pHi under the conditions of mineralocorticoid excess and deficiency. The parallel changes in these transporters accounts for the alterations in OMCDi HCO3- absorption seen under these conditions.     

Basolateral membrane Na+/H+ antiport, Na+/base cotransport, and Na+-independent Cl-/base exchange in the rabbit S3 proximal tubule.

The basolateral membrane Na+ and Cl(-)-dependent acid-base transport processes were studied in the isolated perfused rabbit S3 proximal straight tubule. Intracellular pH (pHi) was measured with 2'7'-biscarboxyethyl-5,6-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) and a microfluorometer coupled to the tubule perfusion apparatus. Reduction of basolateral HCO3- from 25 to 5 mM caused pHi to decrease at a rate of 0.81 pH/min. Approximately 50% of this rate was Na+-dependent, 30% Cl(-)-dependent and 20% Na+ and Cl(-)-independent. Two basolateral Na+-dependent acid base transport pathways were detected: (a) an amiloride-sensitive Na+/H+ antiporter and (b) a stilbene-sensitive Na+/base cotransporter. No evidence was found for a Na+-dependent Cl-/base exchanger. The Cl(-)-dependent component of basolateral base efflux was mediated by a stilbene-sensitive Na+-independent Cl-/base exchange pathway. The results suggest that the acid base transport pathways of the basolateral membrane of the S3 proximal tubule differ from more proximal nephron segments.     

Na+/H+ antiport and buffering capacity in human polymorphonuclear and mononuclear leucocytes.

1. Na+/H+ antiport activity was measured in peripheral blood polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cells of 12 healthy subjects by using an intracellular pH clamp technique to determine the external Na(+)-dependent H+ efflux rate in cells loaded with a pH-sensitive fluorescent dye, bis(carboxyethyl)carboxyfluorescein. The change in external Na+ concentrations for all pH measurements was similar in both cell types. 2. A significant difference between the two types of cells was found, the polymorphonuclear leucocytes having a higher Na+/H+ antiport activity than the lymphocytes. Cellular intrinsic buffering capacity measured in the absence of HCO3- was also higher in the polymorphonuclear cells than in the lymphocytes. 3. These differences may be associated with a difference in the role of the Na+/H+ exchanger in these two types of cells, although in vivo the presence of HCO3-/Cl- exchangers may also contribute to intracellular pH homoeostasis.     

L-cysteine and S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine transport in rat liver canalicular membrane vesicles: potential reabsorption mechanisms for biliary metabolites of glutathione and its S-conjugates.

Transport of L-cysteine and a cysteine S-conjugate, S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine (DCVC) was investigated in rat liver canalicular plasma membrane (cLPM) vesicles. Cysteine uptake into an osmotically active intravesicular space was temperature sensitive and further enhanced by an inwardly directed Na+ gradient. Na(+)-dependent and -independent L-cysteine uptake exhibited saturation kinetics with apparent Km of 53 +/- 0.7 and 1300 +/- 300 microM and Vmax of 95 +/- 21 and 1600 +/- 200 pmol.mg protein-1.10 sec-1 for the Na(+)-dependent components, and an apparent Km of 207 +/- 48 microM and a Vmax of 355 +/- 71 pmol.mg protein-1.10 sec-1 for the Na(+)-independent component. Na(+)-dependent uptake was inhibited by L-alanine, glycine, L-phenylalanine and L-leucine, whereas Na(+)-independent uptake was inhibited by L-phenylalanine, L-leucine and 2-amino-2-norbornanecarboxylic acid. Both Na(+)-dependent and -independent L-cysteine transport processes were inhibited by several cysteine S-conjugates, with DCVC having the strongest effect. Inhibition of [35S]L-cysteine uptake by DCVC was noncompetitive with a Ki of 1.2 +/- 0.1 mM. On the other hand, uptake of [35S]DCVC by the rat cLPM vesicles was not stimulated by a Na(+)-gradient, but was inhibited by several other amino acids, including L-cysteine. Further investigation of [35S]DCVC uptake in rat cLPM vesicles indicated a saturable Na(+)-independent process with an apparent Km of 155 +/- 42 microM, and a Vmax of 393 +/- 53 pmol.mg protein-1.5 sec-1.2+.     

Inhibition of the Bicarbonate Exit Step in Urinary Acidification by a Disulfonic Stilbene

Acidification of the luminal solution by the isolated turtle bladder involves H(+) secretion by a pump at the luminal membrane. The OH(-) dissociated in this process reacts with CO(2) and forms HCO(3) (-) which moves passively out of the cell across the serosal cell membrane. In the present study, this exit step for HCO(3) (-) was inhibited by serosal addition of the disulfonic stilbene, SITS, an agent which is thought to bind to a transport protein at the serosal cell membrane. 90 min after serosal addition of 0.5 mM SITS, H(+) secretion decreased by > 80%. In contrast, luminal addition of SITS had no effect. During inhibition of H(+) secretion by serosal SITS, overall cell pH, measured by the 5, 5-dimethyl-2, 3-oxazolidinedione method, increased from 7.48+/-0.03 to 7.61+/-0.02. This increase of 0.13+/-0.02 pH U was associated with a much larger regional pH increase as judged from the decrement in the attainable pH gradient across the epithelium. After serosal SITS, this gradient was reduced from 2.88+/-0.06 to 2.09+/-0.11 pH U. In the absence of evidence for increased H(+) permeability or a change in the force of the H(+) pump, the gradient decrement of 0.79+/-0.08 U reflects a similar pH increment on the cytoplasmic side of the pump.SITS inhibits the exit of bicarbonate across the serosal cell membrane and, thereby, creates a compartment of high alkalinity in series with the pump. The increased electrochemical gradient across the active transport pathway is the primary factor in the inhibition of urinary acidification.