Al(3+) -promoted fluoride accumulation in tea plants (Camellia sinensis) was inhibited by an anion channel inhibitor DIDS.

Abstract

Generally, tea plants are grown in acid soil which is rich in aluminum (Al) and fluoride (F). A recent publication showed that pretreatment with Al(3+) promoted F accumulation in tea plants by increasing endogenous Ca(2+) and calmodulin (CaM). A high level of F in tea leaves not only impairs tea quality but also might pose a health risk for people drinking tea regularly. Therefore it is important to try to find some clues which might be beneficial in controlling F accumulation in tea plants grown in acid soil (Al(3+) ). It was found that diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2-disulfonic acid (DIDS) significantly reduced Al(3+) -promoted F accumulation in tea plants. Additionally, Al(3+) plus DIDS treatment stimulated significantly higher Ca(2+) efflux and decreased the CaM level in tea roots compared with Al(3+) treatment. Besides, significantly higher depolarization of membrane potential was shown in tea roots treated with Al(3+) plus DIDS than in those treated with Al(3+) , as well as higher net total H(+) efflux and plasma membrane H(+) -ATPase activity. Al(3+) -promoted F accumulation in tea plants was inhibited by an anion channel inhibitor DIDS. Ca(2+) /CaM and membrane potential depolarization may be the components involved in this process. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.