Na/H exchange at the apical membrane of guinea-pig gallbladder epithelium: properties and inhibition by cyclic AMP

Abstract
The properties and, in particular, the cAMP-sensitivity of apical Na/H exchange in guinea-pig gallbladder epithelium were investigated using gravimetric, pH-stat, and microelectrode techniques. Proton secretion was Na-dependent, inhibited by ouabain and amiloride, and insensitive to changes in apical membrane potential. It was markedly reduced by 8-Br-cAMP and PGE1. PGE1 also attenuated the changes in intracellular Na activity produced by luminal Na removal and restoration. Our results suggest inhibition of Na/H exchange by cAMP. In conjunction with the cAMP-induced rise in apical membrane Cl permeability shown previously, this effect can account for inhibition of NaCl absorption by cAMP.