H+ Disposal by Rabbit Gastric Mucosal Surface Cells

Abstract

Exposure of isolated gastric mucosal surface cells to NH4+ results in acidification of cells as determined by a fluorescent dye technique using acridine orange. The resulting intracellular pH gradient is maintained when cells are suspended in either buffered HCO3- -free Ringer's or choline chloride solution. Cells suspended in a Na+-containing but K+-free solution exhibit dissipation of the proton gradient. When Na+ is added to cells suspended in Na+, K+-free solution, the gradient rapidly dissipates with a half-maximal response occurring at 56 mM Na+. The effect of Na+ is amiloride sensitive with half-maximal inhibition occurring at 38 microM at a Na+ concentration of 50 mM. The K+ does not cause dissipation of the gradient and neither ouabain nor valinomycin have an effect. Yet, K+ has a modulating influence on Na+/H+ exchange by the isolated surface cells. The addition of K+ to acid-loaded cells resuspended in Na+-free solution decreases the ability of subsequent Na+ addition to evoke gradient dissipation. The data suggest that Na+/H+ exchange appears to be at least one mechanism whereby gastric mucosal surface cells could protect themselves against diffusing acid. This ion exchange mechanism is amiloride sensitive and appears to be unrelated to Na+, K+ adenosine triphosphatase activity, but is affected by the external K+ concentration.