Rate Of Intracellular pH Recovery Research Articles

Signaling pathways involved in the rapid biphasic effect of aldosterone on Na+/H+ exchanger in rat proximal tubule cells

The receptors and signaling pathways for nongenomic effects of aldosterone (Aldo) on the proximal Na+/H+ exchanger are still unknown; therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and/or glucocorticoid receptor (GR) participation in rapid Aldo effects on NHE1 (basolateral Na+/H+ exchanger isoform) and cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). In addition, phospholipase C (PLC), protein kinase C (PKC), and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) involvement in signaling pathways of such effects was evaluated, using immortalized proximal tubule cells of rat (IRPTC) as an experimental model. MR and GR expression was investigated using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting. The intracellular pH recovery rate (after acid loading) and [Ca2+]i were determined by the probes BCECF-AM and FURA 2-AM, respectively. Aldo (10−12 M) promoted a moderate increase in [Ca2+]i and stimulation of NHE1, whereas Aldo (10−6 M) greatly increased the [Ca2+]i, but inhibited the NHE1. BAPTA-AM (a calcium chelator), GR antagonism and inhibition of PLC, PKC and MEK pathway abolished the biphasic and dose-dependent effect of Aldo on NHE1 and decreased the [Ca2+]i; whereas MR do not appear to participate in this rapid signaling in IRPTC cells. The reduction of GR content, by gene silencing, abolished the Aldo effect on NHE1, in low concentration, confirming the importance of this receptor in the rapid modulation of proximal sodium and hydrogen transports.

Carbonic anhydrase II binds to and increases the activity of the epithelial sodium-proton exchanger, NHE3.

Two-thirds of sodium filtered by the renal glomerulus is reabsorbed from the proximal tubule via a sodium/proton exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3)-dependent mechanism. Since sodium and bicarbonate reabsorption are coupled, we postulated that the molecules involved in their reabsorption [NHE3 and carbonic anhydrase II (CAII)] might physically and functionally interact. Consistent with this, CAII and NHE3 were closely associated in a renal proximal tubular cell culture model as revealed by a proximity ligation assay. Direct physical interaction was confirmed in solid-phase binding assays with immobilized CAII and C-terminal NHE3 glutathione-S-transferase fusion constructs. To assess the effect of CAII on NHE3 function, we expressed NHE3 in a proximal tubule cell line and measured NHE3 activity as the rate of intracellular pH recovery, following an acid load. NHE3-expressing cells had a significantly greater rate of intracellular pH recovery than controls. Inhibition of endogenous CAII activity with acetazolamide significantly decreased NHE3 activity, indicating that CAII activates NHE3. To ascertain whether CAII binding per se activates NHE3, we expressed NHE3 with wild-type CAII, a catalytically inactive CAII mutant (CAII-V143Y), or a mutant unable to bind other transporters (CAII-HEX). NHE3 activity increased upon wild-type CAII coexpression, but not in the presence of the CAII V143Y or HEX mutant. Together these studies support an association between CAII and NHE3 that alters the transporter's activity.

Inflammation reduces the activity of the NaHCO3 cotransporter, NBCe1, in the surface cells of the proximal colon of IL10 knockout mice (908.1)

The impact of inflammation on intestinal secretion is contentious. Here the effect of inflammation on activity of the NaHCO3 cotransporter, NBCe1, in the proximal colon was investigated. Interleukin10‐knockout (IL10‐/‐) mice infected with Helicobacter typhlonius, which develop colitis, were used as a model of inflammation, and uninfected, asymptomatic IL10‐/‐ mice served as controls. NBCe1 activity was measured as the 5‐(N‐ethyl‐N‐isopropyl) amiloride‐insensitive (EIPA, 20µM), 4,4'‐diisothiocyano‐2,2'‐stilbenedisulfonic acid‐sensitive (DIDS, 500µM), rate of intracellular pH recovery and acid extrusion (JH+) following acid loading of isolated crypts, while NBCe1 expression was measured by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. In control tissues NBCe1 immunoreactivity was restricted to the surface cells and upper third of the crypts. Consistent with this there was little evidence of NBCe1 activity in the lower half of the crypts, with or without forskolin (10µM) stimulation. In contrast, in the surface cells, while NBCe1 was inactive under basal conditions (JH+EIPA=16.4±1.8mM.min‐1; JH+EIPA+DIDS=18.7±1.8 mM.min‐1), its activity was stimulated by forskolin (after forskolin JH+EIPA=24.5±2.7 mM.min‐1 and JH+EIPA+DIDS=13.6±1.1mM.min‐1). In inflamed tissues, total NBCe1 expression was reduced (P<0.001, n=6), there was no NBCe1 immunoreactivity in the surface cells and upper crypts, and forskolin did not stimulate NBCe1 activity in the surface cells. This suggests inflammation reduces colonic HCO3‐ secretion, which may affect luminal pH regulation and growth of luminal bacteria, possibly contributing to the dysbiosis seen in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, as well as modifying mucus hydration.Grant Funding Source: Supported by The Otago Medical Research Foundation

Action of ANP on the nongenomic dose-dependent biphasic effect of aldosterone on NHE1 in proximal S3 segment

The rapid (2min) nongenomic effects of aldosterone (ALDO) and/or spironolactone (MR antagonist), RU 486 (GR antagonist), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and dimethyl-BAPTA (BAPTA) on the intracellular pH recovery rate (pHirr) via NHE1 (basolateral Na+/H+ exchanger isoform), after the acid load induced by NH4Cl, and on the cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were investigated in the proximal S3 segment isolated from rats, by the probes BCECF-AM and FLUO-4-AM, respectively. The basal pHi was 7.15±0.008 and the basal pHirr was 0.195±0.012pHunits/min (number of tubules/number of tubular areas=16/96). Our results confirmed the rapid biphasic effect of ALDO on NHE1: ALDO (10−12M) increases the pHirr to approximately 59% of control value, and ALDO (10−6M) decreases it to approximately 49%. Spironolactone did not change these effects, but RU 486 inhibited the stimulatory effect and maintained the inhibitory effect. ANP (10−6M) or BAPTA (5×10−5M) alone had no significant effect on NHE1 but prevented both effects of ALDO on this exchanger. The basal [Ca2+]i was 104±3nM (15), and ALDO (10−12 or 10−6M) increased the basal [Ca2+]i to approximately 50% or 124%, respectively. RU 486, ANP and BAPTA decreased the [Ca2+]i and inhibited the stimulatory effect of both doses of ALDO. The results suggest the involvement of GR on the nongenomic effects of ALDO and indicate a pHirr-regulating role for [Ca2+]i that is mediated by NHE1, stimulated/impaired by ALDO, and affected by ANP or BAPTA with ALDO. The observed nongenomic hormonal interaction in the S3 segment may represent a rapid and physiologically relevant regulatory mechanism in the intact animal under conditions of volume alterations.

Involvement of CFTR in ATP and HCO3‐ secretion in epididymal principal cells

Luminal ATP and HCO3− induce apical membrane accumulation of V-ATPase in epididymal clear cells. We hypothesized that CFTR might participate in the regulation of luminal acidification by clear cells, via crosstalk with principal cells through ATP and HCO3− secretion. Using the epididymal principal cell lines, DC2 and PC1, and a luciferase assay, we showed that forskolin (Fsk) and adrenaline increased ATP release from DC2 but not PC1 cells. The CFTR inhibitor, CFTRinh172, reduced basal ATP release in both cell lines and blocked the Fsk-induced ATP-release in DC2 cells. The rate of intracellular pH recovery (dpHi/dt) after alkalinization caused by removal of CO2 and HCO3− was measured with BCECF as an assessment of HCO3− secretion. Fsk significantly increased dpHi/dt in DC2 but not PC1 cells. CFTRinh172 abolished Fsk-induced HCO3− secretion in DC2 cells. These results suggest that CFTR mediates basal levels of ATP and HCO3− secretion in both cell lines, and Fsk-activation in DC2 cells. Data are compatible with the hypothesis that ATP and HCO3−, secreted by principal cells, increase V-ATPase-dependent proton secretion by clear cells, allowing restoration of luminal pH to its resting acidic value. This study provides new insights into the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis-related male infertility.

Genomic and nongenomic stimulatory effect of aldosterone on H+-ATPase in proximal S3 segments

The genomic and nongenomic effects of aldosterone on the intracellular pH recovery rate (pHirr) via H(+)-ATPase and on cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) were investigated in isolated proximal S3 segments of rats during superfusion with an Na(+)-free solution, by using the fluorescent probes BCECF-AM and FLUO-4-AM, respectively. The pHirr, after cellular acidification with a NH(4)Cl pulse, was 0.064 ± 0.003 pH units/min (n = 17/74) and was abolished with concanamycin. Aldosterone (10(-12), 10(-10), 10(-8), or 10(-6) M with 1-h or 15- or 2-min preincubation) increased the pHirr. The baseline [Ca(2+)](i) was 103 ± 2 nM (n = 58). After 1 min of aldosterone preincubation, there was a transient and dose-dependent increase in [Ca(2+)](i) and after 6-min preincubation there was a new increase in [Ca(2+)](i) that persisted after 1 h. Spironolactone [mineralocorticoid (MR) antagonist], actinomycin D, or cycloheximide did not affect the effects of aldosterone (15- or 2-min preincubation) on pHirr and on [Ca(2+)](i) but inhibited the effects of aldosterone (1-h preincubation) on these parameters. RU 486 [glucocorticoid (GR) antagonist] and dimethyl-BAPTA (Ca(2+) chelator) prevented the effect of aldosterone on both parameters. The data indicate a genomic (1 h, via MR) and a nongenomic action (15 or 2 min, probably via GR) on the H(+)-ATPase and on [Ca(2+)](i). The results are compatible with stimulation of the H(+)-ATPase by increases in [Ca(2+)](i) (at 10(-12)-10(-6) M aldosterone) and inhibition of the H(+)-ATPase by decreases in [Ca(2+)](i) (at 10(-12) or 10(-6) M aldosterone plus RU 486).

Decreased Activity of the Na + /H + Exchanger by Phosphodiesterase 5A Inhibition Is Attributed to an Increase in Protein Phosphatase Activity

The beneficial effect of phosphodiesterase 5A inhibition in ischemia/reperfusion injury and cardiac hypertrophy is well established. Inhibition of the cardiac Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE-1) exerts beneficial effects on these same conditions, and a possible link between these therapeutic strategies was suggested. Experiments were performed in isolated cat cardiomyocytes to gain insight into the intracellular pathway involved in the reduction of NHE-1 activity by phosphodiesterase 5A inhibition. NHE-1 activity was assessed by the rate of intracellular pH recovery from a sustained acidic load in the absence of bicarbonate. Phosphodiesterase 5A inhibition with sildenafil (1 μmol/L) did not affect basal intracellular pH; yet, it did decrease proton efflux (J(H); in millimoles per liter per minute) after the acidic load (proton efflux: 6.97±0.43 in control versus 3.31±0.58 with sildenafil; P<0.05). The blockade of both protein phosphatase 1 and 2A with 100 nmol/L of okadaic acid reverted the sildenafil effect (proton efflux: 6.77±0.82). In contrast, selective inhibition of protein phosphatase 2A (1 nmol/L of okadaic acid or 100 μmol/L of endothall) did not (3.86±1.0 and 2.61±1.2), suggesting that only protein phosphatase 1 was involved in sildenafil-induced NHE-1 inhibition. Moreover, sildenafil prevented the acidosis-induced increase in NHE-1 phosphorylation without affecting activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2-p90(RSK) pathway. Our results suggest that phosphodiesterase 5A inhibition decreases NHE-1 activity, during intracellular pH recovery after an acidic load, by a protein phosphatase 1-dependent reduction in NHE-1 phosphorylation.

AMP-activated protein kinase: a physiological off switch for murine gastric acid secretion

Adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been shown to be a metabolic energy regulator in various cells. Activation is a direct result of rising AMP concentration coupled with falling adenosine triphosphate (ATP). AMPK activation during metabolic stress consequently reduces cellular ATP consumption. The gastric parietal cell has a large abundance of mitochondria per cell volume due to the numerous energy-dependent transporters and channels responsible for acid secretion. We identified AMPK in the parietal cell as a metabolic energy regulator that can switch acid secretion off as cellular ATP levels fall. AMPK presence in murine gastric glands was evaluated by immunofluorescent localization. We used a digital imaging system to monitor acid secretion as observed by proton efflux from parietal cells in hand-dissected gastric glands loaded with the pH-sensitive dye 2',7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and 6)-carboxyfluorescein. Individual murine gastric glands were exposed to histamine, pentagastrin, or carbachol. AMPK was pharmacologically activated with 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D: -riboside (AICAR) monophosphate or inhibited with 6-[4-(2-piperidin-1-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl)]-3-pyridin-4-yl-pyyrazolo[1,5-a] pyrimidine (compound C) or ATP. Acid secretion was evaluated under these conditions as the rate of intracellular pH recovery. In addition, whole-stomach pH measurements were performed. Immunofluorescent localization confirmed the presence of AMPK in gastric mucosa. Exposure to AICAR monophosphate significantly reduced secretagogue-induced acid secretion; addition of compound C or ATP restored acid secretion. Our results indicate that secretagogue-induced acid secretion could be significantly reduced with AMPK activation and restored with its deactivation. We therefore propose the AMPK as a cellular metabolic off switch for gastric acid secretion.

Genomic and nongenomic dose-dependent biphasic effect of aldosterone on Na+/H+exchanger in proximal S3 segment: role of cytosolic calcium

The effects of aldosterone on the intracellular pH recovery rate (pHirr) via Na+/H+ exchanger and on the [Ca2+]i were investigated in isolated rat S3 segment. Aldosterone [10(-12), 10(-10), or 10(-8) M with 1-h, 15- or 2-min preincubation (pi)] caused a dose-dependent increase in the pHirr, but aldosterone (10(-6) M with 1-h, 15- or 2-min pi) decreased it (these effects were prevented by HOE694 but not by S3226). After 1 min of aldosterone pi, there was a transient and dose-dependent increase of the [Ca2+]i and after 6-min pi there was a new increase of [Ca2+]i that persisted after 1 h. Spironolactone, actinomycin D, or cycloheximide did not affect the effects of aldosterone (15- or 2-min pi) but inhibited the effects of aldosterone (1-h pi) on pHirr and on [Ca2+]i. RU 486 prevented the stimulatory effect of aldosterone (10(-12) M, 15- or 2-min pi) on both parameters and maintained the inhibitory effect of aldosterone (10(-6) M, 15- or 2-min pi) on the pHirr but reversed its stimulatory effect on the [Ca2+]i to an inhibitory effect. The data indicate a genomic (1 h, via MR) and a nongenomic action (15 or 2 min, probably via GR) on [Ca2+]i and on the basolateral NHE1 and are compatible with stimulation of the NHE1 by increases in [Ca2+]i in the lower range (at 10(-12) M aldosterone) and inhibition by increases at high levels (at 10(-6) M aldosterone) or decreases in [Ca2+]i (at 10(-6) M aldosterone plus RU 486).

Effect of thyroid hormone on the postnatal renal expression of NHE8

We previously demonstrated that there are developmental changes in proximal tubule Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE) activity. There is a maturational increase in postnatal brush-border membrane (BBM) vesicle NHE3 protein abundance and decrease in NHE8 protein abundance. The purpose of this study was to determine whether thyroid hormone plays a role in the rat renal maturational isoform switch from NHE8 to NHE3 and whether thyroid hormone regulates NHE8. Administration of thyroid hormone to neonatal rats, before the normal postnatal increase in serum thyroid hormone levels at 3 wk of age, resulted in a premature increase in NHE3/beta-actin BBM protein abundance and mRNA abundance. Thyroid hormone also caused a premature decrease in BBM NHE8/beta-actin protein abundance, whereas there was no change in mRNA expression (standardized to 28s). Rats made hypothyroid from birth were studied at 28 days, after the normal maturational increase in thyroid hormone. In these hypothyroid adult rats, the maturational increase in BBM NHE3 protein abundance and NHE3 mRNA expression was prevented. In contrast, the developmental decrease in BBM NHE8 protein abundance was prevented in hypothyroid adults, but mRNA expression was unchanged in hypothyroid rats. To determine whether the effect of thyroid hormone was due to a direct epithelial effect, we studied normal rat kidney cells in culture. We recently showed that this cell line expresses NHE8, but does not express NHE3. Thyroid hormone caused a decrease in surface expression of NHE8, determined by biotinylation, but total cellular abundance remained unchanged. NHE8 activity, measured as the sodium-dependent rate of intracellular pH recovery from an acid load, was less with thyroid treatment than control. In conclusion, thyroid hormone plays a potential role in the developmental isoform change from NHE8 to NHE3 and decreases NHE8 activity.

Involvement of the Na+-independent Cl–/HCO3–exchange (AE) isoform in the compensation of myocardial Na+/H+isoform 1 hyperactivity in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Enhanced activity of Na+/H+ isoform 1 (NHE-1) and the Na+-independent Cl-/HCO3- exchange (AE) is a feature of the hypertrophied myocardium in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The present study explored the possibility that sustained intracellular acidosis due to increased myocardial acid loading through AE causes NHE-1 enhancement. To this aim, SHR were treated for 2 weeks with a rabbit polyclonal antibody against an AE3 isoform that was recently developed and proven to have inhibitory effects on myocardial AE activity. We then compared the AE activity in the left ventricle papillary muscles isolated from untreated SHR with antiAE3-treated SHR; AE activity was measured in terms of the rate of intracellular pH recovery after an intracellular alkali load was introduced. AE activity was diminished by approximately 70% in SHR treated with the antiAE3 antibody, suggesting that the AE3 isoform is a major carrier of acid-equivalent influx in the hypertrophied myocardium. However, the antibody treatment failed to normalize NHE-1 activity that remained elevated in the myocardium of normotensive rats. The data therefore rule out the possibility that NHE-1 hyperactivity in hypertensive myocardium was due to sustained intracellular acidosis induced by increased AE activity that characterizes SHR myocardial tissue.

Neurotensin- and EGF-Induced Metabolic Activation of Colon Carcinoma Cells Is Diminished by Dietary Flavonoid Cyanidin but Not by Its Glycosides

Dietary polyphenols, including anthocyanidins and their glycosides anthocyanins, are suggested to be involved in the protective effects of fruits and vegetables against cancer. Very few data are available concerning the effects of anthocyanidins/anthocyanins on cellular processes induced by growth factors such as neurotensin and epidermal growth factor (EGF), which are implicated in the pathophysiology of colon cancer. Here, we show that neurotensin and EGF caused an increase in the extracellular acidification rate, which could reflect the activity of cellular metabolism, in the human carcinoma cell line HT29 clone 19A. Neurotensin and EGF also caused a strong rise in the intracellular Ca2+concentration, induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1 and ERK2), and stimulated growth of human carcinoma cells. Cyanidin (10 μM), but not its glycosides cyanin and idaein, was able to inhibit the neurotensin- and EGF-induced increased rate of extracellular acidification. In contrast to N-ethyl-N-isopropyl amiloride, an inhibitor of Na+/H+ exchange, cyanidin did not alter the rate of intracellular pH recovery of cells loaded by NH3/NH4+, indicating that cyanidin inhibits cellular metabolism, rather than directly altering Na+/H+ exchange. Cyanidin, but not cyanin and idaein, was able to inhibit an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration induced by neurotensin. Neurotensin- and EGF-induced phosphorylation of ERKs was not affected by cyanidin, cyanin, and idaein at ?100 μM. Only cyanidin (100 μM), but not cyanin and idaein, was able to inhibit cellular growth induced by EGF. Thus these findings suggest that a dietary polyphenol cyanidin, but not its glycosides, is a potent inhibitor of mitogen-induced metabolic activity, increase in free intracellular Ca2+, and cellular growth of cultured colon carcinoma cells.

Na+/H+-exchange activity and immunolocalization of NHE3 in rat epididymis.

An acidic luminal pH in the epididymis and vas deferens (VD) helps maintain mature sperm in an immotile state during storage. We have previously shown that the majority of proton secretion in the VD is due to the activity of the vacuolar H+-ATPase. Acidification is dependent on luminal sodium in more proximal regions of the epididymis, and we examined the distribution of the Na+/H+ exchanger, NHE3, by immunofluorescence and measured Na+/H+ exchange (NHE) activity in isolated epididymal tubules. NHE3 was detected in the apical pole of nonciliated cells of the efferent ducts and principal cells (PC) of the epididymis. No staining was seen in the distal cauda epididymidis and the VD. Isolated tubules from the distal initial segment (DIS) and proximal cauda epididymidis were perfused in vitro and loaded with the pH-sensitive dye 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6')-carboxyfluorescein. Ethylisopropyl amiloride (EIPA) (50 microM) reduced the initial rate of intracellular pH recovery (dpH(i)/dt), in response to an acute acid load, by 51% and 45% in the DIS and cauda epididymidis, respectively. In the DIS, removal of luminal sodium reduced dpH(i)/dt by 52%. HOE694 (50 microM) inhibited all EIPA-sensitive dpH(i)/dt in the DIS, despite the previously reported absence of NHE2 in this region (Cheng Chew SB, Leung GPH, Leung PY, Tse CM, and Wong PYD, Biol Reprod 62: 755-758, 2000). These data indicate that HOE694- and EIPA-sensitive Na+/H+ exchange may participate, together with the H+-ATPase, in luminal acidification in the male excurrent duct.

Increased proximal tubule NHE-3 and H+-ATPase activities in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

To investigate renal proximal tubular sodium-hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE-3) and H+-ATPase activities in young (5-week-old) spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Donryu (DRY) rats, in the period during which high blood pressure is developing. Five-week-old SHR and DRY rats were weighed and systolic blood pressure recorded. Proximal tubule cells were isolated, loaded with the intracellular pH dye, 2'-7'-bis-carboxyethyl-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein-acetoxymethyl-ester and acidified with a NH4+/NH3 prepulse. Na+-independent intracellular pH recovery rate (H+-ATPase activity) and initial Na+-dependent intracellular pH recovery rate (NHE-3 activity) were assessed. NHE-3 activity was assessed during inhibition of H+-ATPase with Bafilomycin A1 and during inhibition of any possible NHE-1 activity with Hoe 694. Mean body weight and systolic blood pressures of 5-week-old SHR and DRY rats were not significantly different. NHE-3 activity was higher in SHR, 1.08 +/- 0.1 pH units/min compared with DRY rats, 0.73 +/- 0.1 pH units/min (P < 0.05) H+-ATPase activity was also higher in SHR, 0.119 +/- 0.02 pH units/min, compared with DRY rats, 0.051 +/- 0.02 pH units/min (P < 0.05). Proximal tubule cells of 5-week-old SHR have higher NHE-3 and H+-ATPase activities compared with age-matched DRY rats. Enhanced proximal tubular fluid reabsorption is likely to contribute to development of high blood pressure in young SHR.

Targeted Disruption of the Nhe1 Gene Prevents Muscarinic Agonist-induced Up-regulation of Na+/H+ Exchange in Mouse Parotid Acinar Cells

The onset of salivary gland fluid secretion in response to muscarinic stimulation is accompanied by up-regulation of Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE) activity. Although multiple NHE isoforms (NHE1, NHE2, and NHE3) have been identified in salivary glands, little is known about their specific function(s) in resting and secreting acinar cells. Mice with targeted disruptions of the Nhe1, Nhe2, and Nhe3 genes were used to investigate the contribution of these proteins to the stimulation-induced up-regulation of NHE activity in mouse parotid acinar cells. The lack of NHE1, but not NHE2 or NHE3, prevented intracellular pH recovery from an acid load in resting acinar cells, in acini stimulated to secrete with the muscarinic agonist carbachol, and in acini shrunken by hypertonic addition of sucrose. In HCO(3)(-)-containing solution, the rate of intracellular pH recovery from a muscarinic agonist-stimulated acid load was significantly inhibited in acinar cells from mice lacking NHE1, but not in cells from NHE2- or NHE3-deficient mice. These data demonstrate that NHE1 is the major regulator of intracellular pH in both resting and muscarinic agonist-stimulated acinar cells and suggest that up-regulation of NHE1 activity has an important role in modulating saliva production in vivo.

Signaling pathways in the biphasic effect of angiotensin II on apical Na/H antiport activity in proximal tubule

Low concentrations of angiotensin II (Ang II) increase, whereas high concentrations inhibit the apical Na/H antiporter activity in the proximal tubule, but the respective roles of the different signaling pathways in mediating these effects remains unsettled. We studied the effects of both low and high doses of Ang II in the presence of selective signaling pathway inhibitors, on the apical Na/H antiport activity of rat proximal tubule. Experiments were carried out in intact cells of freshly prepared tubule fragments obtained from the outer third of cortex, that is, devoid of basolateral Na/H antiport activity in the absence of bicarbonate transport and H(+)-ATPase activity. In tubules acid-loaded by an NH4Cl prepulse, Na/H antiport activity was assessed by the initial rate of intracellular pH recovery (dpHi/dt), measured with BCECF. When tubules were preincubated with low dose Ang II (10(-11) M for 3 min), dpHi/dt increased by 25 +/- 8%, whereas incubation with high dose Ang II (10(-7) M for 3 min) decreased dpHi/dt by 30 +/- 4%, compared to control (P < 0.01 in both cases). Both effects were abolished in the presence of 2.10(-3) M amiloride. Low dose Ang II-induced increase in dpHi/dt was not affected by preincubation with a specific PKA inhibitor, Rp-CPT-cAMP 10(-4) M, and was completely abolished by preincubation with PKC inhibitors, staurosporine 10(-7) M, sphingosine 5.10(-6) M, or calphostin 10(-6) M. In addition, pretreatment of rats with pertussis toxin led to a partial inhibition of the effect of low dose Ang II. The high dose-Ang II-induced decrease in dpHi/dt was not affected by pretreatment with a calcium-calmodulin kinase inhibitor W-7 10(-4) M. Conversely, pretreatment with the cytochrome P-450 inhibitor econazole 10(-5) M reversed the inhibitory effect of high dose Ang II to a stimulatory effect (24 +/- 8%, P < 0.01), quantitatively similar to the effect of low dose Ang II. In addition, arachidonate was found to exert an econazole-sensitive dose-dependent inhibitory effect on dpHi/dt, and 5,6-EET 10(-6) M, a cytochrome P-450 derived-arachidonic acid metabolite, induced a 38 +/- 9% inhibition, similar to that observed with high dose Ang II alone. There was no additive effect of 5,6-EET and high dose Ang II. Finally, pretreatment with two PLA2 inhibitors (BromoPhenacylBromide, 6.10(-6) M, and oleyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine, 5.10(-6) M) reversed the inhibitory effect of high dose Ang II to a stimulatory effect (32 +/- 11% and 25 +/- 11%, respectively, P < 0.05 for both inhibitors). We conclude that, in intact rat proximal cells, low dose Ang II stimulates the apical Na/H antiport through a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein-dependent PKC pathway, whereas high dose Ang II inhibits the Na/H antiport activity through the PLA2- and cytochrome P-450-dependent metabolites of arachidonate.

Na/H exchange in cultured epithelial cells from fish gills

Using primary cultures of gill pavement cells from freshwater rainbow trout, a method is described for achieving confluent monolayers of the cells on glass coverslips. A continuous record of intracellular pH was obtained by loading the cells with the pH-sensitive flourescent dye 2′,7′-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein and mounting the coverslips in the flowthrough cuvette of a spectrofluorimeter. Experiments were performed in HEPES-buffered media nominally free of HCO3. Resting intracellular pH (7.43 at extracellular pH=7.70) was insensitive to the removal of Cl− or the application of 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (0.1 mmol·l−1), but fell by about 0.3 units when Na+ was removed or in the presence of amiloride (0.2 mmol·l−1). Exposure to elevated ammonia (“ammonia prepulse”; 30 mmol·l−1 as NH4Cl for 6–9 min) produced an increase in intracellular pH (to about 8.1) followed by a slow decay, and washout of the pulse caused intracellular pH to fall to about 6.5. Intracellular non-HCO 3 − buffer capacity was about 13.4 slykes. Rapid recovery of intracellular pH from intracellular acidosis induced by ammonia prepulse was inhibited more than 80% in Na+-free conditions or in the presence of amiloride (0.2 mmol·l−1). Neither bafilomycin A1 (3 μmol·l−1) nor Cl removal altered the intracellular pH recovery rate. The K m for Na+ of the intracellular pH recovery mechanism was 8.3 mmol·l−1, and the rate constant at V max was 0.008·s−1 (equivalent to 5.60 mmol H+·l−1 cell water·min−1), which was achieved at external Na+ levels from 25 to 140 mmol·l−1. We conclude that intracellular pH in cultured gill pavement cells in HEPES-buffered, HCO 3 − -free media, both at rest and during acidosis, is regulated by a Na+/H+ antiport and not by anion-dependent mechanisms or a vacuolar H+-ATPase.

Secretin causes H +/HCO 3− secretion from pig pancreatic ductules by vacuolar-type H +-adenosine triphosphatase

Background/Aims : Secretin stimulates pancreatic ductules to secrete HCO 3 − into pancreatic juice and H + into interstitial fluid. The aim of the present study was first to examine whether ductular H + secretion is inhibited by micromolar concentrations of bafilomycin A 1, which blocks vacuolar H +-adenosine triphosphatase by specific action, and secondly to test for evidence of ductular Na +/HCO 3 − cotransport. Methods : Ductular H + secretion was estimated from the rate of intracellular pH recovery after acid-loading (24 mmol/L NH 4Cl) microdissected pancreatic ductules from pig, mounted in a flow-through perfusion chamber on the stage of a fluorescent microscope. Intracellular pH was measured using the fluorescent pH indicator 2′7′-bis (carboxyethyl)-5,6-carboxyfluorescein and dual-wavelength excitation of fluorescence. The ducts were superfused with either HCO 3 −-free HEPES-containing buffers or HCO 3 −-containing buffers. Results : Secretin (10 −8 mol/L) induced a net H + secretion of 1.87 ± 0.23 μmol · mL cell vol −1 · min −1 that was blocked by 10 −6 mol/L bafilomycin A 1 and was unaffected by Na + substitution with choline using HEPES superfusion buffers. Secretin-stimulated ductules superfused with bicarbonate-containing, Cl −-free buffers showed Na +-dependent and 4,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene-2, 2′-disulfonic acid-inhibitable alkalinization of intracellular pH. Conclusions : Secretin causes H +/HCO 3 − secretion from pancreatic ductules by a mechanism involving vacuolar-type H +-adenosine phosphatase. Pancreatic ductules also show Na +/HCO 3 − cotransport, which may account for a small fraction of secreted bicarbonate.

Mechanism of activation of the NA+/H+ exchanger by arginine vasopressin in hepatocytes

Arginine vasopressin has been shown to activate the Na+/H+ exchanger in hepatocytes by calcium/calmodulin-dependent processes. Whether this activation also involves protein kinase C and is associated with changes in the intracellular pH setpoint was investigated in this study. Changes in pHi and intracellular Ca++ concentration were measured with the fluorescent probes BCECF and quin-2, respectively. Intracellular pH recovery rate was calculated from time-dependent changes in intracellular pH in hepatocytes acid-loaded with sodium propionate. Arginine vasopressin, phorbol myristate acetate and thapsigargin stimulated intracellular pH recovery but did not increase basal intracellular pH. Arginine vasopressin and thapsigargin, but not phorbol myristol acetate, increased intracellular Ca++ concentration. The protein kinase C inhibitors staurosporine and calphostin C inhibited arginine vasopressin- and phorbol myristol acetate-induced, but not thapsigargin-induced, intracellular pH recovery. Neither staurosporine nor calphostin C affected arginine vasopressin- and thapsigargin-induced increases in intracellular Ca++ concentration, and no inhibitor affected basal intracellular pH recovery. Arginine vasopressin, phorbol myristol acetate and thapsigargin increased intracellular pH dependency of intracellular pH recovery without affecting intracellular pH setpoint. These results indicate that the activation of the Na+/H+ exchanger by arginine vasopressin is mediated both by Ca++/calmodulin and protein kinase C and may be due to enhanced interaction of H+ with the internal modifier site of the exchanger.

Protein kinase C activation accelerates proton extrusion by vacuolar-type H +-ATPases in murine peritoneal macrophages

The role of protein kinase C in the regulation of vacuolar-type H +-ATPase (V-ATPase) activity was studied in thioglycolate-elicited mouse peritoneal macrophages. Acid-loaded macrophages suspended in a Na +- and HCO − 3-free K +-medium containing Zn 2+ , a H +-conductance blocker, exhibited an initial intracellular pH recovery rate of 0.33 ± 0.04 pH/min ( n = 9). Pretreatment with 12- O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA) or mezerein for as little as 3 min induced a marked (82%) increase in the initial pH recovery rate. Stimulation was prevented by the V-ATPase inhibitor, bafilomycin A 1 (200 nM) indicating that the effect of the protein kinase C agonists was via augmentation of proton pump activity. The protein kinase C inhibitor, staurosporine (100 nM) completely blocked the stimulatory effects of TPA and mezerein, suggesting involvement of protein kinase C. In keeping with this notion, the inactive analogue of TPA, 4-phorbol didecanoate did not stimulate recovery from an acid load. Extracellular pH determinations revealed that the observed increase in cytosolic pH recovery rate by the protein kinase C agonists was due to increased extrusion of protons from the cells, likely through V-ATPases located in the plasma membrane. Considered together, these data demonstrate regulation of plasmalemmal V-ATPase-mediated proton extrusion by protein kinase C.