CYTOPLASMIC ACIDIFICATION AND ACTIVATION OF NA+/H+ EXCHANGE DURING REGULATORY VOLUME DECREASE IN EHRLICH ASCITES TUMOR-CELLS

Ehrlich ascites tumor cells undergoing regulatory volume decrease (RVD) exhibit cytoplasmic acidification as measured by an intracellular fluorescent pH indicator. The acidification results in an activation of the Na+/H+ exchanger. The intracellular pH 'set point' for the activation is estimated to be around 7.0. The activation of the Na+/H+ exchanger leads to an incomplete RVD. In support of this conclusion, amiloride and Na+-free medium, known to limit the Na+/H+ exchange, indeed enhance the RVD response. Intracellular acidification and activation of Na+/H+ exchange may be a general response of cells undergoing RVD. © 1990 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.