Membrane-bound carbonic anhydrases in osteoclasts

Osteoclasts are multinucleated bone-resorbing cells that use multiple pH regulation mechanisms to create an acidic pH in the resorption lacuna. Carbonic anhydrase II and vacuolar H(+)-ATPases produce and transport protons, while chloride channels provide a Cl(-) flux into the resorption site. These activities are required for inorganic matrix dissolution that precedes enzymatic removal of organic bone matrix. In other cell types it has become evident that carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes interact with AE proteins to form transport metabolons that regulate intracellular pH. Membrane-bound carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes may also compensate for the lack of cytoplasmic carbonic anhydrase II. Therefore, our goal was to explore the expression of membrane-bound carbonic anhydrase (CA) isoenzymes CA IV, CA IX, CA XII and CA XIV in bone-resorbing osteoclasts. Immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy showed expression of CA IV, CA XII and CA XIV in cultured rat and human osteoclasts. To confirm these results, RT-PCR was used. Immunohistochemistry revealed distinct staining patterns for CA IV, CA XII and CA XIV in rat trabecular bone specimens. A plasma membrane staining was observed in bone lining cells with the CA XII antibody while osteoclast plasma membranes were stained with CA IV and CA XIV antibodies. Confocal microscopy of cultured human osteoclasts showed a punctated intracellular CA IV staining and a perinuclear CA XIV staining while no CA IX or CA XII staining was observed. To evaluate the physiological role of membrane-bound CAs in osteoclasts, we used PCS, a novel membrane-impermeable CA inhibitor. Increased osteoclast number and bone resorption activity was observed in rat osteoclast cultures exposed to a low concentration of PCS while higher concentrations affected cell survival. PCS treatment also disturbed intracellular acidification in osteoclasts, as determined by live cell microscopy. In conclusion, our data shows that membrane-bound carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes CA IV and CA XIV are expressed both at mRNA and protein levels in osteoclasts in vivo and in vitro. In addition, the inhibitor experiments provide novel evidence to support the hypothesis that intracellular pH regulation in osteoclasts may indeed involve transport metabolons.     

Na+/H+ exchangers in renal regulation of acid-base balance

The kidney plays key roles in extracellular fluid pH homeostasis by reclaiming bicarbonate (HCO(3)(-)) filtered at the glomerulus and generating the consumed HCO(3)(-) by secreting protons (H(+)) into the urine (renal acidification). Sodium-proton exchangers (NHEs) are ubiquitous transmembrane proteins mediating the countertransport of Na(+) and H(+) across lipid bilayers. In mammals, NHEs participate in the regulation of cell pH, volume, and intracellular sodium concentration, as well as in transepithelial ion transport. Five of the 10 isoforms (NHE1-4 and NHE8) are expressed at the plasma membrane of renal epithelial cells. The best-studied isoform for acid-base homeostasis is NHE3, which mediates both HCO(3)(-) absorption and H(+) excretion in the renal tubule. This article reviews some important aspects of NHEs in the kidney, with special emphasis on the role of renal NHE3 in the maintenance of acid-base balance.     

Acid pH Increases Carbonic Anhydrase II and Calcitonin Receptor mRNA Expression in Mature Osteoclasts

Numerous resorptive stimuli have been shown to enhance osteoclast differentiation, increasing osteoclast numbers and accelerating bone resorption. Currently, there is much less understanding of regulation of mature osteoclast activity. Indeed, there is presently only minimal evidence of changes in gene expression as a mechanism for altering bone resorption. We investigate here, in the mature osteoclast, regulation of 2 genes—carbonic anhydrase II (CAII) and calcitonin receptor (CTR) in response to acidosis, which is known to increase bone resorption. We studied the effect of acid pH on CAII and CTR mRNA expression in mature osteoclasts raised in coculture of ST-2 and primary marrow cells. On day 6 of culture, stromal cells were removed with collagenase, the remaining osteoclasts were incubated overnight, and then exposed to varying pH. RT-PCR was performed on total RNA using primers for CAII, CTR, or glyceraldehyde dehydrogenase phosphate (GAP). Expression of CTR mRNA was increased 2.14 ± 0.41 and 2.56 ± 0.45 (P < 0.05)-fold by a 4-hour exposure to pH 6.75 and 6.5, respectively. CAII mRNA was similarly increased 2.18 ± 0.42 and 2.63 ± 0.48 (P < 0.05)-fold by pH 6.75 and 6.5, respectively. Increased expression of CAII and CTR mRNA was seen by 2 hours and maximally by 4 hours. Increased expression of CTR and CAII mRNA was not explained by increases in osteoclast numbers: pH 7.4–100 ± 3.7, 6.75–133 ± 8.3, 6.5–124 ± 7.8. These results demonstrate upregulation of two osteoclast genes in response to acidosis, illustrating the ability of the mature osteoclast to respond to resorptive signals with increased functional gene expression. Received: 28 June 1999 / Accepted: 4 February 2000     

Propofol protection of sodium-hydrogen exchange activity sustains glutamate uptake during oxidative stress.

We investigated the role of intracellular pH in protection by propofol of glutamate uptake during oxidative stress. Exposure of primary astrocyte cultures to tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BOOH, 300 microM) decreased the initial rate of Na-dependent glutamate uptake. Either propofol or alpha-tocopherol, administered 30 min after t-BOOH, attenuated this transport inhibition. These lipophilic antioxidants protected glutamate uptake whether the medium contained 25 mM bicarbonate or was nominally bicarbonate-free. t-BOOH also inhibited Na/H exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1) activation by intracellular protons and propofol prevented this inhibition. Blockade of NHE1 by the potent antagonist, 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl) amiloride (1 microM), abolished the protective effects of small concentrations of propofol (1 microM) and alpha-tocopherol (40 microM) on glutamate uptake during oxidative stress in bicarbonate-free medium. 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl) amiloride had no effect on antioxidant rescue of glutamate transport in medium containing 25 mM bicarbonate. These results indicate that regulation of intracellular pH may contribute to neuroprotection by propofol and other lipophilic antioxidants. Propofol concentrations that are associated with anesthesia and neuroprotection may prevent intracellular acidification during oxidative stress by preserving the NHE1 response to cytosolic protons. However, if intracellular acidification occurs nonetheless, then propofol protection of glutamate uptake activity becomes less effective and the extracellular glutamate concentration may increase to neurotoxic levels. IMPLICATIONS: Anesthetic concentrations of propofol maintain the capacity of brain cells to extrude protons during oxidative stress. However, if intracellular acidification occurs nonetheless, then propofol's protection of glutamate clearance mechanisms from oxidative damage becomes attenuated, and extracellular glutamate concentration may increase to neurotoxic levels.     

NaCl transport by Madin Darby canine kidney cyst epithelial cells.

The mechanism of NaCl transport across the epithelium of intact MDCK cysts grown in a collagen gel matrix was investigated. Double-barreled microelectrodes were used to measure basolateral membrane PD (Vbl), transepithelial PD (Vt), and intracellular (Cli) and intralumenal (Clcy) Cl- activities in cysts under different conditions. In a control Ringer's solution (RS), Cli (60 +/- 1 mM) and Clcy (107 +/- 2 mM) exceeded the values corresponding to electrochemical equilibrium across the basolateral membrane and epithelium, respectively. Cli was reduced by superfusing the cysts with a low Cl- RS (Cli, 20 +/- 3 mM), a low Na+ RS (Cli, 40 +/- 4 mM), or by adding amiloride to the control RS (Cli, 46 +/- 1 mM). Cli was unaffected by removal of either K+ or HCO3- from the RS or by adding furosemide or SITS to the control RS. Vbl in the control RS was -50 +/- 2 mV and was affected only by removal from the RS of K+ (Vbl, -31 +/- 3 mV) or HCO3- (Vbl, -29 +/- 4 mV) or by the addition of SITS to the control RS (Vbl, -59 +/- 5 mV). Vt in control RS was -2 +/- 0.2 mV (lumen negative), and was increased by reducing bath Na+ (Vt, -37 +/- 2 mV) but not by reducing bath Cl-. These data indicate that Cl- is secreted in a basolateral to apical direction by the cyst epithelium. Basolateral Cl- transport probably occurs mainly by an electroneutral Cl-/HCO3- exchanger. Transepithelial Na+ transport seems to occur via a paracellular route which appears to be cation selective. These experiments also support the existence, in the basolateral membrane, of a Na+/K+ ATPase, a Na+/H+ exchanger, and possibly a Na+/HCO3-/CO3(2-) transporter.     

Expression of mouse osteoclast K-Cl Co-transporter-1 and its role during bone resorption.

To assess the role of Cl- transport during osteoclastic bone resorption, we studied the expression and function of K+/Cl- co-transporters (KCCs). KCC1 and chloride channel-7 were found to be expressed in mouse osteoclasts. The KCC inhibitor, R(+)-butylindazone (DIOA), KCC1 antisense oligo-nucleotides, and siRNA suppressed osteoclastic pit formation. DIOA also decreased Cl- extrusion and reduced H+ extrusion activity. These results show that KCC1 provides a Cl- extrusion mechanism accompanying the H+ extrusion during bone resorption. INTRODUCTION: Mice with deficient chloride (Cl-) channels, ClC7, show severe osteopetrosis, resulting from impairment of Cl- extrusion during osteoclastic bone resorption. However, the expression and functional role of Cl- transporters other than ClC7 in mammalian osteoclasts is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine expression of K+/Cl- co-transporters (KCCs) and their functional role for bone resorption in mouse osteoclasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mouse osteoclasts were derived from cultured bone marrow cells with macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and RANKL or from co-culture of bone marrow cells and primary osteoblasts. We examined the expression of Cl- transporters using RT-PCR, immunochemical, and Western blot methods. The effects of Cl- transport inhibitors on H+ and Cl- extrusion were assessed by measuring intracellular H+ ([H+]i) and Cl- ([Cl-]i). The effects of inhibitors, antisense oligo-nucleotides, and siRNA for Cl- transporters on bone resorption activities were evaluated using a pit formation assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Mouse osteoclasts express not only ClC7 but also K+/Cl- co-transporter mRNA. The existence of KCC1 in the cell membrane of mouse osteoclasts was confirmed by immunochemical staining and Western blot analysis. KCC inhibitors and Cl- channels blockers increased [Cl-]i and [H+]i in resorbing osteoclasts, suggesting that the suppression of Cl- extrusion through KCC and Cl- channels leads to reduced H+ extrusion activity. The combination of both inhibitors greatly suppressed these extrusion activities. KCC inhibitors and Cl- channel blockers also decreased osteoclastic bone resorption in our pit area essay. Furthermore, KCC1 antisense oligo-nucleotides and siRNA suppressed osteoclastic pit formation as well as treatment of ClC7 inhibitors. These results indicate that K+/Cl- co-transporter-1 expressed in mouse osteoclasts acts as a Cl- extruder and plays an important role for H+ extrusion during bone resorption.     

Acidosis Inhibits Bone Formation by Osteoblasts In Vitro by Preventing Mineralization

The negative effect of acidosis on the skeleton has been known for almost a century. Bone mineral serves an important pathophysiologic role as a reserve of hydroxyl ions to buffer systemic protons if the kidneys and lungs are unable to maintain acid-base balance within narrow physiologic limits. Extracellular hydrogen ions are now thought to be the primary activation signal for osteoclastic bone resorption, and osteoclasts are very sensitive to small changes in pH within the pathophysiologic range. Herein, we investigated the effects of acidosis on osteoblast function by using mineralized bone nodule-forming primary osteoblast cultures. Osteoblasts harvested from neonatal rat calvariae were cultured up to 21 days in serum-containing medium, with ascorbate, beta-glycerophosphate and dexamethasone. pH was manipulated by addition of 5 to 30 mmol/L HCl and monitored by blood gas analyzer. Abundant, matrix-containing mineralized nodules formed in osteoblast cultures at pH 7.4, but acidification progressively reduced mineralization of bone nodules, with complete abolition at pH 6.9. Osteoblast proliferation and collagen synthesis, assessed by 3H-thymidine and 3H-proline incorporation, respectively, were unaffected by pH in the range 7.4 to 6.9; no effect of acidification on collagen ultrastructure and organization was evident. The apoptosis rate of osteoblasts, assessed by the enrichment of nucleosomes in cell lysates, was also unaffected by pH within this range. However, osteoblast alkaline phosphatase activity, which peaked strongly near pH 7.4, was reduced eight-fold at pH 6.9. Reducing pH to 6.9 also downregulated messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) for alkaline phosphatase, but upregulated mRNA for matrix Gla protein, an inhibitor of mineralization. The same pH reduction is associated with two-and four-fold increases in Ca2+ and PO4(3-) solubility for hydroxyapatite, respectively. Our results show that acidosis exerts a selective, inhibitory action on matrix mineralization that is reciprocal with the osteoclast activation response. Thus, in uncorrected acidosis, the deposition of alkaline mineral in bone by osteoblasts is reduced, and osteoclast resorptive activity is increased in order to maximize the availability of hydroxyl ions in solution to buffer protons.     

Citrate reverses cyclosporin A-induced metabolic acidosis and bone resorption in rats

BACKGROUND: Cyclosporine A (CsA) causes distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA) and osteoporosis. We have recently reported that the reduction of nitric oxide (NO) exacerbates this condition. Distal RTA may deplete bone mineral due to the chronic buffering of acid in the blood. The interaction of CsA and NO in causing metabolic acidosis and bone demineralization has not been studied previously. Nor has the salubrious effect of citrate therapy. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of systemic pH correction by citrate on renal electrolyte (Na, K, Cl, NH3, HCO3) excretion following acute water loading in CsA-treated and NO-reduced rats. We further evaluated femoral bone density and bone demineralization activity after the same treatments. METHODS: Rats received CsA, L-arginine (L-Arg), or nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME), or a combination of CsA+L-NAME plus or minus citrate. Urine and blood electrolytes were examined, as well as the urine excretion of deoxypyridinoline and the bone density of both femurs. RESULTS: CsA and L-NAME reduced urine pH and the serum HCO3- concentration, and increased serum K+ and Cl- concentrations. The combination of CsA with L-NAME caused more severe deficits in the serum HCO3- concentration and elevations in serum K+ and Cl- concentrations than either drug alone. Both CsA and L-NAME reduced urinary nitrate excretion, which was reversed by co-administration of L-Arg. Co-administration of citrate or L-Arg improved the CsA- and L-NAME-induced acidosis and hyperkalemia. Bone resorption and density of the femurs were decreased by CsA and L-NAME and were additive for both drugs. Co-administration of citrate or L-Arg restored both bone resorption and density to normal levels. CONCLUSION: CsA induces a hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis with hyperkalemia and a reduction in NO. The ensuing systemic acidosis causes bone resorption and demineralization. These effects were corrected by co-treatment with citrate. Citrate, at least in part, directly reduces the protonation of bone in animals treated with CsA and is recommended as a potential adjunct drug to prevent bone demineralization in patients chronically receiving CsA.     

Cytoplasmic pH regulation in canine renal proximal tubule cells

The precise mechanisms by which the mammalian kidney proximal tubule transports H+ and HCO3- and regulates cytosolic pH (pHi) remain in doubt, though both a H+-ATPase pump and Na+/H+ exchange at the luminal membrane are known to function in the export of protons. The mechanisms of HCO3- transport are less clear though recent reports suggest an important role for an electrogenic Na+/HCO3- symport in the basolateral membrane. The importance of chloride-dependent bicarbonate transport is unknown. In the present studies, the pH-sensitive fluorescent dye, bis-(carboxyethyl)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) has been used to study pHi changes in suspensions of canine proximal tubule cells following acidification or alkalinization of the cytosol. Cells were acid-loaded to pH 6.5 by exposure to the H+/K+ ionophore, nigericin. Following removal of nigericin, pHi returned to basal levels (pHi = 7.1) when the cells were resuspended in a buffer containing 100 mM Na+. This recovery was blocked by removal of Na+ or addition of 0.2 mM amiloride to the cell suspension. In the presence of 0.2 mM amiloride and Na+, partial excretion of the acid load occurred if the buffer also contained HCO3-/CO2, but this effect was blocked by the removal of Na+ or the addition of 1 mM 4-acetomido-4'-isothiocyano-2,2'-stilbene disulfonic acid (SITS). When cell membrane potential was monitored in these experiments using the potential-sensitive fluorescent dye, bis-(1,3-dibutylbarbiturate) trimethine oxonol, the increase in pHi seen in the presence of Na+ was found to be electroneutral, whereas when that occurred in the presence of Na+, amiloride and HCO3-/CO2 was associated with membrane hyperpolarization.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Regulation of acidification in the rat inner medullary collecting duct.

The inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) is the most distal portion of the nephron and plays an important role in urinary net acid excretion. The terminal or distal two thirds of the IMCD is lined by a single cell type, now termed the IMCD cell, which not only secretes protons, but transports sodium and potassium and responds to many hormones. The IMCD may account for greater than 50% of the excreted acid under control conditions and, during acidosis, absolute acid secretion may increase fivefold. Conversely, during alkalemia, acid secretion by this segment is abolished. Thus, the IMCD responds appropriately to perturbations in systemic acid-base balance. Furthermore, models of renal tubular acidosis have been demonstrated along this nephron segment. Three transporters that are important in acid-base control, the Na+/H+ and the Cl-/HCO3- exchanger and an active proton pump, presumably an H(+)-adenosine phosphatase (ATPase), have been demonstrated in IMCD cells. The former two are situated in the basolateral membrane, while the latter is situated in the apical membrane. Only the proton pump is responsible for actual acid addition to the urine. The intracellular mechanisms that modulate the proton pump are just beginning to be defined. It is likely that acid secretory activity involves exocytic insertion of additional pumps, and is dependent on cell pH changes, which are the primary signal, and on changes in intracellular calcium concentration and calmodulin activity, which are the second messengers.     

V-ATPase subunit ATP6AP1 (Ac45) regulates osteoclast differentiation, extracellular acidification, lysosomal trafficking, and protease exocytosis in osteoclast-mediated bone resorption

Lysosomal trafficking and protease exocytosis in osteoclasts are essential for ruffled border formation and bone resorption. Yet the mechanism underlying lysosomal trafficking and the related process of exocytosis remains largely unknown. We found ATP6ap1 (Ac45), an accessory subunit of vacuolar-type H(+)-ATPases (V-ATPases), to be highly induced by receptor activator for nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) in osteoclast differentiation. Ac45 knockdown osteoclasts formed normal actin rings, but had severely impaired extracellular acidification and bone resorption. Ac45 knockdown significantly reduced osteoclast formation. The decrease in the number of osteoclasts does not result from abnormal apoptosis; rather, it results from decreased osteoclast precursor cell proliferation and fusion, which may be partially due to the downregulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and FBJ osteosarcoma oncogene (c-fos), nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), and "transmembrane 7 superfamily member 4" (Tm7sf4) expression. Notably, Ac45 knockdown osteoclasts exhibited impaired lysosomal trafficking and exocytosis, as indicated by the absence of lysosomal trafficking to the ruffled border and a lack of cathepsin K exocytosis into the resorption lacuna. Our data revealed that the impaired exocytosis is specifically due to Ac45 deficiency, and not the general consequence of a defective V-ATPase. Together, our results demonstrate the essential role of Ac45 in osteoclast-mediated extracellular acidification and protease exocytosis, as well as the ability of Ac45 to guide lysosomal intracellular trafficking to the ruffled border, potentially through its interaction with the small guanosine-5'-triphosphatase (GTPase) Rab7. Our work indicates that Ac45 may be a novel therapeutic target for osteolytic disease.     

Effect of lactacidosis on cell volume and intracellular pH of astrocytes.

Acute traumatic or ischemic cerebral lesions are associated with tissue acidosis leading to cytotoxic brain edema, predominantly affecting astrocytes. Glial swelling from acidosis is believed to be the attempt of cells to maintain a physiological intracellular pH (pHi). However, this concept, potentially important for the development of new treatment strategies for cytotoxic brain edema, has not been validated experimentally. In the present study, cell volume and pHi of astrocytes were measured simultaneously in vitro. Exposure of suspended astrocytes to levels of acidosis found in vivo during ischemia and trauma (pH 6.8-6.2) led to a maximal increase in cell volume of 121.2% after 60 min (n = 5, p < 0.05) and to immediate intracellular acidification close to extracellular levels (pH 6.2, n = 5, p < 0.05). Inhibition of membrane transporters responsible for pHi regulation (0.1 mM amiloride for the Na+/H+ antiporter or 1 mM SITS for HCO3- -dependent transporters) inhibited cell swelling from acidosis but did not affect the profound intracellular acidification. In addition, acidosis-induced cell swelling and intracellular acidification were partly prevented by the addition of ZnCl2 (0.1 mM), an inhibitor of selective proton channels not yet described in astrocytes (n = 5, p < 0.05). In conclusion, these data demonstrate that glial swelling from acidosis is not a cellular response to defend the normal pHi, as had been thought. If these results obtained in vitro are transferable to in vivo conditions, the development of blood-brain barrier-permeable agents for the inhibition of acidosis-induced cytotoxic edema might be therapeutically useful, since they do not enhance intracellular acidosis and thus cell damage.     

Electroneutral NaCl absorption in the proximal tubule: mechanisms of apical Na-coupled transport

The proximal tubule utilizes multiple mechanisms to reabsorb filtered NaCl. In the early PCT electrogenic Na-coupled organic solute transport generates a lumen-negative PD which drives Cl- passively through the paracellular pathway. Preferential reabsorption of HCO3- and organic solutes in the early PCT elevates luminal Cl- concentration, which in the late PCT provides the driving force for passive reabsorption of both Na+ and Cl-. However, most of the NaCl reabsorbed in the PCT is mediated by an electroneutral mechanism in which equivalent amounts of Na+ and Cl- move transcellularly across apical and basolateral membranes. In the mammalian PCT the evidence overwhelmingly supports parallel Na+-H+ and Cl- -base exchangers as the mechanism by which Na+ and Cl- cross the apical membrane during electroneutral, transcellular NaCl reabsorption. OH-, HCO3-, formate and Ox- have all been suggested to be the anion exchanged for Cl-. An important physiologic contribution of formate has been shown in in vitro microperfusion studies [29]. Measurements of intracellular pH using fluorescent dyes [59, 60] support a quantitatively important role for formate and argue against a large contribution of OH- and HCO3-. The absence of a role for HCO3- is also supported by in vivo microperfusion studies using methoxazolamide [53]. The potential role of oxalate requires physiologic evaluation. To date, the experimental data suggest that Cl- -formate is probably the predominant anion exchange mechanism. One may ask why, in a process so critical as NaCl reabsorption, the tubule would choose to use a "toxin" rather than one of those ions more familiar to renal physiologists?(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Atp6v0d2 Is an Essential Component of the Osteoclast‐Specific Proton Pump That Mediates Extracellular Acidification in Bone Resorption

Bone resorption relies on the extracellular acidification function of vacuolar (V‐) ATPase proton pump(s) present in the plasma membrane of osteoclasts. The exact configuration of osteoclast‐specific V‐ATPases remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that Atp6v0d2 (d2), an isoform of the d subunit in the V‐ATPase, showed 5‐fold higher expression than that of Atp6v0d1 (d1) in mature osteoclasts, indicating a potential function in osteoclastic bone resorption. When d2 was depleted at an early stage of RANKL‐induced osteoclast differentiation in vitro, formation of multinucleated cells was severely impaired. However, depletion of d2 at a late differentiation stage did not affect osteoclast fusion but did abolish the activity of extracellular acidification and bone resorption of mature osteoclasts. We also showed the association of the two tagged‐proteins d2 and a3 when co‐expressed in mammalian cells with a co‐immunoprecipitation assay. Moreover, glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) pull‐down assay showed the direct interaction of d2 with the N terminus of Atp6v0a3 (a3), which is the functionally identified osteoclast‐specific component of V‐ATPase. Therefore, our results show the dual function of d2 as a regulator of cell fusion in osteoclast differentiation and as an essential component of the osteoclast‐specific proton pump that mediates extracellular acidification in bone resorption.     

The effects of extracellular pH on bone resorption by avian osteoclasts in vitro

It has previously been reported that low extracellular pH stimulates the excavation of resorption lacunae by rodent osteoclasts in vitro. Using avian bone cells in a similar in vitro assay we have demonstrated that osteoclast activity is optimal at pH 7.20-7.40 and is inhibited at extremes of pH (less than 7.10 and greater than 7.60). Over the first 24 h of incubation at low pH there may be an increase in osteoclastic resorption but to a lesser extent than that reported for rodent cells. However, after 24-30 h in culture there is little or no further increase in bone resorption, presumably due to a cytotoxic effect of low pH acting either on the osteoclast directly or via nonosteoclastic bone cells. In contrast to a previous report, in which preincubation of wafers for 24 h had no effect on bone resorption, we found that preincubation of bone substrates at pH 6.50 for longer periods enhances subsequent resorption at pH 7.20.     

Inherited renal tubular acidosis

The past few years have witnessed great progress in elucidating the molecular basis of inherited renal tubular acidosis. Consistent with the physiologically defined importance of multiple gene products in urinary acidification, heritable renal tubular acidosis is genetically heterogeneous. Autosomal dominant distal renal tubular acidosis has been associated with a small number of mutations in the AE1 Cl-/HCO3- exchanger although the pathophysiologic mechanisms behind these mutations remain unclear. Rarely, autosomal recessive distal RTA is caused by homozygosity or compound heterozygosity for the loss-of-function mutation AE1 G701D. A larger proportion, often accompanied by hearing loss, is associated with mutations in the ATP6B1 gene encoding the 58 kDa B1 subunit of the vacuolar H+-ATPase. Mutations in the gene encoding the Na+/HCO3- cotransporter, NBC1, have recently been identified in proximal renal tubular acidosis with corneal calcification.     

Intracellular pH plays a critical role in glucose-induced time-dependent potentiation of insulin release in rat islets.

The underlying mechanisms of glucose-induced time-dependent potentiation in the pancreatic beta-cell are unknown. It had been widely accepted that extracellular Ca(2+) is essential for this process. However, we consistently observed glucose-induced priming under stringent Ca(2+)-free conditions, provided that the experiment was conducted in a HEPES-buffered medium as opposed to the bicarbonate (HCO(3)(-))-buffered medium used in previous studies. The critical difference between these two buffering systems is that islets maintain a lower intracellular pH in the presence of HEPES. The addition of HEPES to a HCO(3)(-)-buffered medium produced a dramatic decrease in the intracellular pH. If it is the lower intracellular pH in islets in a HEPES-buffered medium that is permissive for glucose-induced time-dependent potentiation (TDP), then experimental lowering of intracellular pH by other means should allow TDP to occur in a Ca(2+)-free HCO(3)(-)-buffered medium, where TDP normally does not occur. As expected, experimental acidification produced by dimethyl amiloride (DMA) allowed glucose to induce TDP in a Ca(2+)-free HCO(3)(-)-buffered medium. DMA also enhanced the priming normally present in HEPES-buffered media. Priming was also enhanced by transient acidification caused by acetate. Experimental alkalinization inhibited the development of priming. In the presence of Ca(2+), the magnitude of glucose-induced TDP was higher in a HEPES-buffered medium than in an HCO(3)(-)-buffered medium. In summary, glucose-induced priming was consistently observed under conditions of low intracellular pH and was inhibited with increasing intracellular pH, irrespective of the presence of extracellular Ca(2+). These data indicate that glucose-induced TDP is critically dependent on intracellular pH.     

Hypotonic stress-induced release of KHCO3 in fused renal epitheloid (MDCK) cells

Mechanisms of cell volume regulation induced by the reduction of the osmolality of the Ringer solution by one-third were studied in fused Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Intracellular HCO3-, K+ and Cl- concentrations [ion]i in parallel with cell membrane potential (PD), cell membrane conductance (Gm) and conductances of individual ions (Gmion) were evaluated with microelectrode techniques. Fused cells regulate their cell volume by about 50%. Gm increased from 0.43 +/- 0.03 mS/cm2 in isotonic Ringer solution to 4.3 +/-0.3 mS/cm2 in the steady state phase of cell swelling. GmCl was 0.31 +/- 0.03 mS/cm2 in isotonic Ringer solution and thus was the dominant individual ion conductance. In the initial phase of cell swelling GmK increased transiently 64-fold to 0.32 +/- 0.03 mS/cm2, and consequently PD hyperpolarized. At peak hyperpolarization GmCl transiently decreased by 15%. Cell swelling increased GmCl 11-fold and GmHCO3 28-fold to 0.95 +/- 0.1 mS/cm2 in the steady state phase of cell swelling. In this phase GmCl and GmHCO3 were dominating, whereas GmK was only slightly increased compared to isotonic conditions. The hyperpolarization of PD was paralleled by cytoplasmic acidification. At peak acidification [HCO3-]i decreased by 6.4 mmol/kg H2O. Cl- extrusion was not detectable in the initial phase of cell swelling. In isotonic Ringer solution [K+]i was 125 +/- 5 mmol/kg H2O. During the initial phase of cell swelling 23 +/- 5 mmol/kg H2O K+ was extruded, indicating that yet unknown anions participated in cell volume regulation in this phase of cell swelling. In the steady state phase of cell swelling [pH]i was normalized by replenishing [HCO3-]i, whereas Cl- was extruded. We conclude that fused renal epitheloid cells acutely release KHCO3 in response to hypotonicity, but then regain pH homeostasis in the steady state phase of cell swelling.     

Screening of protein kinase inhibitors identifies PKC inhibitors as inhibitors of osteoclastic acid secretion and bone resorption

Background  

Bone resorption is initiated by osteoclastic acidification of the resorption lacunae. This process is mediated by secretion of protons through the V-ATPase and chloride through the chloride antiporter ClC-7. To shed light on the intracellular signalling controlling extracellular acidification, we screened a protein kinase inhibitor library in human osteoclasts.     

Cortisol inhibits acid-induced bone resorption in vitro

Metabolic acidosis increases urine calcium excretion without an increase in intestinal calcium absorption, resulting in a net loss of bone mineral. In vitro, metabolic acidosis has been shown to initially induce physicochemical mineral dissolution and then enhance cell-mediated bone resorption. Acidic medium stimulates osteoblastic prostaglandin E(2) production, which mediates the subsequent stimulation of osteoclastic bone resorption. Glucocorticoids are also known to decrease bone mineral density, and metabolic acidosis has been shown to increase glucocorticoid production. This study tested the hypothesis that glucocorticoids would exacerbate acid-induced net calcium efflux from bone. Neonatal mouse calvariae were cultured in acid (Acid; pH = 7.06 +/- 0.01; [HCO(3)(-)] = 10.6 +/- 0.3 mM) or neutral (Ntl; pH = 7.43 +/- 0.01; [HCO(3)(-)] = 26.2 +/- 0.5 mM) medium, with or without 1 microM cortisol (Cort), and net calcium efflux and medium prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) levels and osteoclastic beta-glucuronidase activity were determined. Compared with Ntl, Cort alone decreased calcium efflux, medium PGE(2), and osteoclast activity; Acid led to an increase in all three parameters. The addition of Cort to Acid led to a reduction of calcium efflux, medium PGE(2) levels and beta-glucuronidase activity compared with Acid alone. There was a significant direct correlation between medium PGE(2) concentration and net calcium efflux (r = 0.944; n = 23; P < 0.0001), between osteoclastic beta-glucuronidase activity and net calcium efflux (r = 0.663; n = 40; P < 0.001), and between medium PGE(2) concentration and beta-glucuronidase activity (r = 0.976; n = 4; P < 0.01). Thus, in vitro cortisol inhibits acid-induced, cell-mediated osteoclastic bone resorption through a decrease in osteoblastic PGE(2) production. These results suggest that the osteopenia observed in response to metabolic acidosis in vivo is not due to an increase in endogenous cortisol production.