Na+-H+ exchange in rat colonic brush-border membrane vesicles

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Abstract
To demonstrate the presence of a Na+-H+ exchange process in brush-border membrane vesicles from rat colonocytes, the fluorescence response of acridine orange rat colonocytes, the fluorescence response of acridine orange was used to monitor the formation and dissipation of pH gradients. An inwardly directed Na+ gradient stimulated the outward flux of H+, whereas proton influx was stimulated by an outwardly directed Na+ gradient. Since the ionophore valinomycin in the presnce of a K+ gradient did not alter Na+-stimulated proton efflux, the interrelationship of Na+ and H+ movement could not be explained solely on the basis of a membrane potential. Na+-stimulated proton efflux was saturable with a Km for Na+ of 20.1 .+-. 1.6 mM. Inwardly directed Li+ gradients also stimulated proton efflux, and the Km for Li+ was 30.2 .+-. 1.7 mM. In contrast, impermeant cations failed to stimulate the outward flux of H+. Amiloride (1 mM) inhibited both Na+-stimulated proton efflux and influx. Therefore, Na+-H+ exchange is present in rat colonic brush-border membranes and has characteristics similar to other Na+-H+ antiporters. This exchange process may be an important mechanism for Na+ absorption in the large intestine.