Decrease of pH Gradients in Tonoplast Vesicles by NO3− and Cl−: Evidence for H+-Coupled Anion Transport

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Abstract
Chloride or nitrate decreased a pH gradient (measured as [14C]methylamine accumulation) in tonoplast-enriched vesicles. The ΔpH decrease was dependent on the anion concentration. These effects are independent of the anion-sensitive H+-ATPase of the tonoplast, since the pH gradient (acid inside) was imposed artificially using a pH jump or a K+ gradient and nigericin. 4,4′-Diisothiocyano-2,2′-stilbene disulfonic acid partially prevented the decrease in pH gradient induced by Cl−. Two possible models to account for this anion-dependent decrease of ΔpH are: (a) H+ loss is accompanied by Cl− or NO3− efflux from the vesicles via H+/anion symport systems on the tonoplast and (b) H+ loss is accompanied by Cl− or NO3− uptake into the vesicles via H+/anion antiport systems. Depending on the requirements and conditions of the cell, these two systems would serve to either mobilize Cl− and NO3− stored in the vacuole for use in the cytoplasm or to drive anions into the vacuole. Chloride or nitrate also decreased a pH gradient in fractions containing plasma membrane and Golgi, implying that these membranes may have similar H+-coupled anion transport systems.