Modifier role of internal H+ in activating the Na+-H+ exchanger in renal microvillus membrane vesicles

Nature. 1982 Sep 9;299(5879):161-3. doi: 10.1038/299161a0.

Abstract

The intracellular pH in animal cells in generally maintained at a higher level than would be expected if H+ were passively distributed across the plasma membrane. In a wide variety of cells including sea urchin eggs, skeletal muscle, renal and intestinal epithelial cells, and neuroblastoma cells, plasma membrane Na+-H+ exchangers mediate the uphill extrusion of H+ coupled to, and thus energized by, the downhill entry of Na+. Plasma membrane vesicles isolated from the luminal (microvillus, brush border) surface of renal proximal tubular cells possess a Na+-H+ exchanger that seems to be representative of the Na+-H+ exchangers found in other tissues. For example, the renal microvillus membrane Na+-H+ exchanger, like other Na+-H+ exchangers, mediates electroneutral cation exchange, is sensitive to inhibition by the diuretic drug amiloride, and has affinity for Li+ in addition to Na+ and H+ (refs 5, 9). Here we have examined the effect of internal H+ on the activity of the Na+-H+ exchanger in renal microvillus membrane vesicles. Our results suggest that internal H+, independent of its role as a substrate for exchange with external independent of its role as a substrate for exchange with external independent of its role as a substrate for exchange with external Na+, has an important modifier role as an allosteric activator of the Na+-H+ exchanger. Allosteric behaviour with respect to internal H+ is a property that would enhance the ability of plasma membrane Na+-H+ exchangers to extrude intracellular acid loads and thereby contribute to the regulation of intracellular pH.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Allosteric Regulation
  • Animals
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Hydrogen / metabolism*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Kidney / ultrastructure*
  • Kidney Tubules, Proximal / ultrastructure
  • Microvilli / metabolism*
  • Microvilli / ultrastructure
  • Rabbits
  • Sodium / metabolism*

Substances

  • Hydrogen
  • Sodium