UVB诱导NIH 3T3细胞凋亡时的信号转导机制:Ⅱ.神经酰胺所致细胞内Ca2+和pH的变化

利用粘附式细胞仪 (ACAS -570)结合相应的荧光探针分别测定了外源性神经酰胺诱导NIH3T3细胞凋亡时胞浆游离Ca2 水平和UVB照射NIH3T3细胞所致细胞内 pH的变化以及神经酰胺的生成对这一变化的影响。结果表明 :1.神经酰胺能够导致NIH3T3细胞胞浆游离Ca2 升高 ;胞浆Ca2 升高既来源于胞外钙 ,又来源于胞内钙池 ,但外钙内流是引起和维持胞内Ca2 处于高水平的必要条件 ;NIH3T3细胞钙池上存在着两种受体 :IP3 受体和Ryanodine受体 ,其中IP3受体较占优势。2.UVB照射导致NIH3T3细胞凋亡时胞浆碱化并持续约2小时左右恢复正常 ,pH的变化参与了细胞凋亡的过程并受到神经酰胺生成的调控。这可能是UVB照射启动了磷脂肌醇通路激活磷脂酶C ,导致神经酰胺的生成、Ca2 动员和蛋白激酶C的活化 ,从而激活Na /H 对流引起胞浆碱化。所以 ,胞浆游离Ca2 的增加和 pH的升高不是两个孤立的事件。     

UVB诱导NIH3T3细胞凋亡时的信号转导机制:Ⅱ.神经酰胺所致细胞内Ca~(2+)和pH的变化

利用粘附式细胞仪（ＡＣＡＳ－５７０）结合相应的荧光探针分别测定了外源性神经酰胺诱导ＮＩＨ３Ｔ３细胞凋亡时胞浆游离Ｃａ＾２＋水平和ＵＶＢ照射ＮＩＨ ３Ｔ３细胞所致细胞内ＰＨ的变化以及神经酰胺的生民对这一变化的影响。结果表明,１．神经酰胺能够导致ＮＩＨ ３Ｔ３细胞胞浆游离Ｃａ＾２＋升高既来源于胞外叠为源于胞内钙池,但外钙内流是引起和维持胞内Ｃａ＾２＋处于高水平所必要条件,ＮＩＨ ３Ｔ３细胞也上存在着两     

Intracellular pH on Protein Kinase C and Ionomycin Potentiation of Isoproterenol-Stimulated Cyclic AMP and Cyclic GMP Production in Rat Pinealocytes

In rat pinealocytes, alpha 1-adrenergic activation, which leads to cytoplasmic alkalinization, also potentiates the beta-adrenergic stimulated cyclic AMP (cAMP) and cyclic GMP (cGMP) responses. Both elevation of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) and activation of protein kinase C are involved in the potentiation mechanism. Recently, intracellular pH has also been found to modulate the adrenergic-stimulated cyclic nucleotide responses, suggesting intracellular pH may also affect the potentiation mechanism. This possibility was examined in the present study. Cytoplasmic alkalinization by ammonium chloride had an enhancing effect on the isoproterenol and ionomycin-stimulated cAMP and cGMP accumulation. In comparison, cytoplasmic acidification by sodium propionate reduced the isoproterenol and ionomycin-stimulated cAMP and cGMP responses. Direct measurement of [Ca2+]i indicated that neither ammonium chloride nor sodium propionate had an effect on the ionomycin-stimulated elevation of [Ca2+]i, suggesting their effects on cyclic nucleotide responses may be independent of [Ca2+]i. In cells stimulated by isoproterenol and an activator of protein kinase C, ammonium chloride had an enhancing effect on both cAMP and cGMP responses, whereas sodium propionate had no effect. Taken together, these results suggest that a site distal to elevation of [Ca2+]i and activation of protein kinase C, of importance to the potentiation mechanism, is modulated by intracellular pH.     

Correlation between insulin action upon glycolysis and change in intracellular pH.

In the presence of $\text{CO}{}_2\text{HCO}{}_3{}^{\mathrm{?}}$, insulin both increases intracellular pH and stimulates glycolysis in frog skeletal muscle. When the action of insulin upon intracellular pH is blocked, either by amiloride or by decreasing extracellular sodium fifteen fold, the effect of the hormone upon glycolysis is also blocked.     

Characteristics of the inhibitory effect of alkalosis on insulin secretion

Glucose-induced insulin secretion by the perfused sodium pentobarbital-anesthetized-rat pancreases was studied under different extracellular pH ranging from 7.4 to 7.8. Under our experimental conditions the amount of insulin released was inversely correlated to the pH increase. Besides, metabolic (CO2H- excess) or gaseous (low pCO2) type of alkalosis, were equally effective inhibiting insulin secretion. During a 16.6 mM glucose stimulus, sequential modifications of extracellular pH (7.4-7.8-7.4) caused a dramatic decrease in insulin secretion during alkalosis and an enhancement of its release during the second 7.4 period. The installment and remotion of the inhibition followed almost immediately the changes in the pH of the perfusates. These findings indicate that extracellular diminution of H+ concentration produces a gradual and quickly reversible decrease upon glucose-induced insulin secretion. These characteristics suggest that the inhibitory effect may be mediated through changes in intracellular and/or transmembrane ion fluxes coupled to the variations in H+ concentration.     

Insulin at pH 2: structural analysis of the conditions promoting insulin fibre formation

When insulin solutions are subjected to acid, heat and agitation, the normal pattern of insulin assembly (dimers-->tetramers-->hexamers) is disrupted; the molecule undergoes conformational changes allowing it to follow an alternative aggregation pathway (via a monomeric species) leading to the formation of insoluble amyloid fibres. To investigate the effect of acid pH on the conformation and aggregation state of the protein, the crystal structure of human insulin at pH 2.1 has been determined to 1.6 A resolution. The structure reveals that the native fold is maintained at low pH, and that the molecule is still capable of forming dimers similar to those found in hexameric insulin structures at higher pH. Sulphate ions are incorporated into the molecule and the crystal lattice where they neutralise positive charges on the protein, stabilising its structure and facilitating crystallisation. The sulphate interactions are associated with local deformations in the protein, which may indicate that the structure is more plastic at low pH. Transmission electron microscopy analysis of insulin fibres reveals that the appearance of the fibres is greatly influenced by the type of acid employed. Sulphuric acid produces distinctive highly bunched, truncated fibres, suggesting that the sulphate ions have a sophisticated role to play in fibre formation, rather as they do in the crystal structure. Analytical ultracentrifugation studies show that in the absence of heating, insulin is predominantly dimeric in mineral acids, whereas in acetic acid the equilibrium is shifted towards the monomer. Hence, the effect of acid on the aggregation state of insulin is also complex. These results suggest that acid conditions increase the susceptibility of the molecule to conformational change and dissociation, and enhance the rate of fibrillation by providing a charged environment in which the attractive forces between the protein molecules is increased.     

Radiation-induced apoptosis of stem/progenitor cells in human umbilical cord blood is associated with alterations in reactive oxygen and intracellular pH

To investigate the sensitivity of human hematopoietic stem cell populations to radiation and its relevance to intracellular events, specifically alteration in cellular energy production systems, we examined the frequency of apoptotic cells, generation of superoxide anions (O*2-), and changes in cytosol pH in umbilical cord blood (UCB) CD34+/CD38-, CD34+/CD38+ and CD34-/CD38+ cells before and after 5Gy of X-irradiation. Human UCB mononucleated cells were used in this study. After X-irradiation and staining subgroups of the cells with fluorescence (FITC, PE, or CY)-labeled anti-CD34 and anti-CD38 antibodies, analyses were performed by FACScan using as stains 7-amino-actinomycin D (7-AAD) for the detection of apoptosis, and hydroethidine (HE) for the measurement of O*2- generation in the cells. For intracellular pH, image analysis was conducted using confocal laser microscopy after irradiation and staining with carboxy-SNAFR-1. The frequency of apoptotic cells, as determined by cell staining with 7-AAD, was highest in the irradiated CD34+/CD38- cell population, where the level of O*2- detected by the oxidation of HE was also most highly elevated. Intracellular pH measured with carboxy-SNARF-1-AM by image cytometer appeared to be lowest in the same irradiated CD34+/CD38- cell population, and this intracellular pH decreased as early as 4 h post-irradiation, virtually simultaneous with the significant elevation of O*2- generation. These results suggest that the CD34+/CD38- stem cell population is sensitive to radiation-induced apoptosis as well as production of intracellular O*2-, compare to more differentiated CD34+/CD38+ and CD34-/CD38+ cells and that its intracellular pH declines at an early phase in the apoptosis process.     

Lowered extracellular pH is involved in the pathogenesis of skeletal muscle insulin resistance

Insulin resistance in the skeletal muscle is manifested by diminished insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and is a core factor in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), but the mechanism causing insulin resistance is still unknown. Our recent study has shown that pH of interstitial fluids was lowered in early developmental stage of insulin resistance in OLETF rats, a model of type 2 DM. Therefore, in the present study, we confirmed effects of the extracellular pH on the insulin signaling pathway in a rat skeletal muscle-derived cell line, L6 cell. The phosphorylation level (activation) of the insulin receptor was significantly diminished in low pH media. The phosphorylation level of Akt, which is a downstream target of the insulin signaling pathway, also decreased in low pH media. Moreover, the insulin binding to its receptor was reduced by lowering extracellular pH, while the expression of insulin receptors on the plasma membrane was not affected by the extracellular pH. Finally, insulin-stimulated 2-deoxyglucose uptake in L6 cells was diminished in low pH media. Our present study suggests that lowered extracellular pH conditions may produce the pathogenesis of insulin resistance in skeletal muscle cells.     

Effect of intracellular alkalinization on pancreatic islet calcium uptake and insulin secretion.

Microdissected beta-cell-rich pancreatic islets of ob/ob mice were used in studies of the relationship between intracellular pH (pHi) and 45Ca2+ uptake and insulin release. Stepwise increases in extracellular pH (pHo) from 6.80 to 8.00 resulted in a parallel, although less pronounced, elevation of pHi from 7.24 to 7.69. Experimental conditions that alkalinize the islet cell interior, i.e. addition of 5 mM-NH4+, sudden withdrawal of extracellular bicarbonate buffer or increase in pHo, induced insulin secretion in the absence of other types of secretory stimulation (1 mM-D-glucose). Intracellular acidification by lowering pHo below 7.40 or sudden addition of bicarbonate buffer did not induce insulin secretion. The removal of extracellular bicarbonate buffer, increase in pHo from 7.40 to 8.00, or the addition of 5 mM-L-5-hydroxytryptophan or 5 mM-NH4+, which all alkalinize the islet cells and induce insulin secretion, also increased the La3+-non-displaceable 45Ca2+ uptake in the presence of 1 mM-D-glucose. The results suggest that intracellular alkalinization in beta-cells can trigger insulin secretion. Taken together with the fact that D-glucose increases pHi in the islet cells, the results also point to the possibility that alkalinization may be a link in the stimulus-secretion coupling sequence in beta-cells.     

Egg fucose sulfate polymer,sialoglycan, and speract all trigger the sea urchin sperm acrosome reaction

Macromolecules surrounding eggs induce the acrosome reaction (AR) of spermatozoa. In sea urchins, three egg jelly (EJ) molecules: a fucose sulfate polymer (FSP), a sialoglycan (SG), and speract mediate ionic fluxes triggering the AR. SG and speract are noninductive without FSP. Speract's role in AR induction is controversial. Here we show that speract potentiates the FSP-induced AR at pH 7.0, approximately 1 pH unit lower than natural seawater. At pH 7.0, a mixture of FSP, SG, and speract produces the intracellular pH increase necessary for maximum AR induction. Each EJ component may mediate a distinct intracellular pH control mechanism, and all three may function synergistically to increase the intracellular pH permitting AR induction. Speract peptides are an ancient family. Although important for activating cyclic nucleotide-mediated pathways in today's seawater of pH approximately 8, speract may have been more important in AR induction in the paleo-ocean of pH approximately 7.     

CO2 and intracellular pH

Abstract The experimental determination of cytoplasmic and vacuolar pH values is discussed. Despite variation in these values evidence indicates that intracellular pH values are normally regulated within narrow limits. The regulatory mechanisms proposed involve the metabolic consumption of OH^& and the active efflux of H ⁺. The evidence for intracellular pH modification in response to CO₂ hydration and the production of HCO^?₃ and H⁺ is examined. Theoretical calculations and experimental data indicate that CO₂ concentrations as high as 5% will lower intracellular pH. Conversely, variation in CO₂ levels around atmospheric concentrations is unlikely to perturb intracellular pH. High CO₂ levels are found in bulky tissues, and flooded root systems. Evidence is presented that the slow diffusion of dissolved CO₂ compared to gaseous CO₂ results in its accumulation. It is proposed that the accumulation of respiratory CO₂ may reduce intracellular pH values when plant tissues, cells or protoplasts are maintained in a liquid culture medium. Finally, the possible role of dark CO₂ fixation and organic acid synthesis in the regulation of intracellular pH is examined.     

Mouse lipocalin as an enhancer of spermatozoa motility

The 24p3 protein is a 25 kDa glycoprotein that is secreted into the uterine fluid during the proestrous phase of mice. We assessed the effects on spermatozoa motility and on the functions of mouse spermatozoa using the computer-assisted sperm analysis method, cytochemical staining and detection of the protein tyrosine phosphorylation pattern. Compared with the control cells, sperm motility was stimulated by the addition of 24p3 protein into the medium. Introducing 24p3 protein enhanced progressive motility but did not promote the appearance of hyperactivated movement. The presence of 24p3 protein in the medium did not allow the cells to undergo the capacitated protein tyrosine phosphorylation pattern and acrosome reaction. The tyrosine phosphorylation pattern shows phosphoproteins in the range of Mr 50000–106000 correlated with the sperm progressive motility after the addition of 24p3 protein into the medium. Using flow cytometry, we assessed the changes in the intracellular pH and measured the intracellular cAMP concentration with an immunodetection kit. The results indicated that the elevation in intracellular pH from 6.67 to 6.89, increase of intracellular cAMP accumulation, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation might be the factors in enhancement of sperm motility as the 24p3 protein bound to the spermatozoa. The 24p3 protein may have a role in regulating flagellar motility.     

Effects of chronic insulin treatment on blood pressure in rats

There is an evident epidemiological association between plasma insulin levels and blood pressure. The mechanism that relates insulin to blood pressure and the role of insulin in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension have not been clearly defined. The present study was designed to examine the effects of chronic hyperinsulinism on blood pressure and to determine different related morphological variables. WistarKyoto rats were subcutaneously injected with insulin (25 UI/Kg of weight) daily during the eight weeks of the experiment. Data were collected on systolic and diastolic arterial pressures and heart rate by plethysmography and direct recording (in the last week), and on morphological variables. A statistically significant elevation of systolic arterial pressure was produced after the sixth week of hyperinsulinaemia. At the end of the treatment, the systolic arterial pressure was 173.7 +/- 26.1 in the hyperinsulinaemic rats versus 153.09 +/- 21.7 in the control group. The values obtained by direct recording and by plethysmography did not differ. These results indicate that chronic hyperinsulinism produces a significant elevation in systolic blood pressure levels in the rats studied.     

NMR-Based Identification of Intra- and Extracellular Compartments of the Brain Pi Peak

Abstract: The P_i peak in a ³¹P NMR spectrum of the brain can be deconvoluted into six separate Lorentzian peaks with the same linewidth as that of the phosphocreatine peak in the spectrum. In an earlier communication we showed that the six P_i peaks in normal brain represent two extracellular and four intracellular compartments. In that report we have identified the first of the extracellular peaks by marking plasma with infused P_i, thereby substantially increasing the amplitude of the single peak at pH 7.35. 2-Deoxyglucose-6-phosphate (2-DG-6-P) was placed in the brain interstitial space by microdialysis. The resulting 2-DG-6-P peak was deconvoluted into three separate peaks. The chemical shift of the principle 2-DG-6-P peak gave a calculated pH of 7.24 ± 0.02 for interstitial fluid pH, a value that agreed well with the pH of the second extracellular P_i peak at pH 7.25 ± 0.01. We identified the intracellular compartments by selectively stressing cellular energy metabolism in three of the four intracellular spaces. A seizure-producing chemical, flurothyl, was used to activate the neuron, thereby causing a demand for energy that could not be completely met by oxidative phosphorylation alone. The resulting loss of high-energy phosphate reserves caused a significant increase in intracellular P_i only in those cells associated with the P_i peak at pH 6.95 ± 0.01. This suggests that this compartment represents the neuron. Ammonia is detoxified in the astrocyte (glutamine synthetase) by incorporating it into glutamine, a process that requires large amounts of glucose and ATP. The intraarterial infusion of ammonium acetate into the brain stressed astrocyte energy metabolism resulting in an increase in the P_i of the cells at pH of 7.05 ± 0.01 and 7.15 ± 0.02. This finding, coupled with our observation that these same cells take up infused P_i probably via the astrocyte end-foot processes, lead us to conclude that these two compartments represent two different types of astrocytes, probably protoplasmic and fibrous, respectively. As a result of this study, we now believe the brain contains four extracellular and four intracellular compartments.     

Cytosolic zinc release and clearance in hippocampal neurons exposed to glutamate--the role of pH and sodium

Although Zn(2+) homeostasis in neurons is tightly regulated and its destabilization has been linked to a number of pathologies including Alzheimer's disease and ischemic neuronal death, the primary mechanisms affecting intracellular Zn(2+) concentration ([Zn(2+) ](i)) in neurons exposed to excitotoxic stimuli remain poorly understood. The present work addressed these mechanisms in cultured hippocampal neurons exposed to glutamate and glycine (Glu/Gly). [Zn(2+)](i) and intracellular Ca(2+) concentration were monitored simultaneously using FluoZin-3 and Fura-2FF, and intracellular pH (pH(i)) was studied in parallel experiments using 2',7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein. Glu/Gly applications under Na(+)-free conditions (Na(+) substituted with N-methyl-D-glucamine(+)) caused Ca(2+) influx, pH(i) drop, and Zn(2+) release from intracellular stores. Experimental maneuvers resulting in a pH(i) increase during Glu/Gly applications, such as stimulation of Na(+) -dependent pathways of H(+) efflux, forcing H(+) efflux via gramicidin-formed channels, or increasing extracellular pH counteracted [Zn(2+)](i) elevations. In the absence of Na(+), the rate of [Zn(2+)](i) decrease could be correlated with the rate of pH(i) increase. In the presence of Na(+), the rate of [Zn(2+) ](i) decrease was about twice as fast as expected from the rate of pH(i) elevation. The data suggest that Glu/Gly-induced cytosolic acidification promotes [Zn(2+) ](i) elevations and that Na(+) counteracts the latter by promoting pH(i)-dependent and pH(i)-independent mechanisms of cytosolic Zn(2+) clearance.     

Activation of Na+ /H+ exchange on rat preadipocyte plasma membrane and its role in cell proliferation and differentiation

An in vitro cultured rat perirenal preadipocyte (PA) was established as a model system to investigate the role of the intracellular pH (pHi) and of the Na~ /H~ exchanger during PA proliferation and differentiation, pH sensitive probe, 2' ,7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein(BCECF), was employed to measure the pHi of PA and to determine the Na~ /H~ exchange activity. The results showed that there was Na~ /H~ exchange activity in the plasma membrane of PA, FCS stimulated DNA synthesis measured by ~3H-TdR incorporation, and the activation of Na~ /H~ exchanger resulted in phi increase (nearly 0.2 pH unit) within 2 min. Ethyl-isopropyl-amiloride (EIPA), a specific Na~ /H~ exchange inhibitor, inhibited Na~ /H~ exchange activity and DNA synthesis. In the absence of serum insulin did not stimulate DNA synthesis but did induce PA differentiation characterized by the appearance of adiposome in the cell and the enhancement of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G_3PDHase) activity. Meantime, insu     

Low-density lipoprotein elevates intracellular calcium and pH in vascular smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts without mediation of LDL receptor

Low-density lipoprotein (7 micrograms/ml) induced in the absence or in the presence of 7, 35, 70 micrograms/ml monoclonal antibodies against the specific Low-density lipoprotein receptor an elevation of intracellular Ca2+ from 105 to approximately 210 nM in vascular smooth muscle cells from rat aorta. Moreover, in both human cultured fibroblasts from normocholesterolemic individuals and from patients with familial hypercholesterolemia homozygote class 1, Low-density lipoprotein (7 micrograms/ml) induced a rise of free intracellular calcium and a biphasic change of intracellular pH. Low-density lipoprotein (1,7,15,30 micrograms/ml) had no significant influence on the phosphatidylinositol-turnover in vascular smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. Since homozygote class 1 fibroblasts lack specific Low-density lipoprotein receptors, and as antibodies against this receptor did not attenuate the Low-density lipoprotein-induced elevation of cytosolic calcium and pH, we conclude that these intracellular changes are independent from the classical Low-density lipoprotein receptor.     

Computer model of unstirred layer and intracellular pH changes. Determinants of unstirred layer pH

Transmembrane acid–base fluxes affect the intracellular pH and unstirred layer pH around a superfused biological preparation. In this paper the factors influencing the unstirred layer pH and its gradient are studied. An analytical expression of the unstirred layer pH gradient in steady state is derived as a function of simultaneous transmembrane fluxes of (weak) acids and bases with the dehydration reaction of carbonic acid in equilibrium. Also a multicompartment computer model is described consisting of the extracellular bulk compartment, different unstirred layer compartments and the intracellular compartment. With this model also transient changes and the influence of carbonic anhydrase (CA) can be studied. The analytical expression and simulations with the multicompartment model demonstrate that in steady state the unstirred layer pH and its gradient are influenced by the size and type of transmembrane flux of acids and bases, their dissociation constant and diffusion coefficient, the concentration, diffusion coefficient and type of mobile buffers and the activity and location of CA. Similar principles contribute to the amplitude of the unstirred layer pH transients. According to these models an immobile buffer does not influence the steady-state pH, but reduces the amplitude of pH transients especially when these are fast. The unstirred layer pH provides useful information about transmembrane acid–base fluxes. This paper gives more insight how the unstirred layer pH and its transients can be interpreted. Methodological issues are discussed.     

Extracellular ATP stimulates exocytosis via localized Ca(2+) release from acidic stores in rat pancreatic beta cells

Three different methods, membrane capacitance (C(m)) measurement, amperometry and FM dye labeling were used to investigate the role of extracellular ATP in insulin secretion from rat pancreatic beta cells. We found that extracellular application of ATP mobilized intracellular Ca(2+) stores and synchronously triggered vigorous exocytosis. No influence of ATP on the readily releasable pool of vesicles was observed, which argues against a direct modulation of the secretory machinery at a level downstream of Ca(2+) elevation. The stimulatory effects of ATP were greatly reduced by intracellular perfusion of BAPTA but not EGTA, suggesting a close spatial association of fusion sites with intracellular Ca(2+) releasing sites. ATP-induced Ca(2+) transients and exocytosis were not blocked by thapsigargin (TG), by a ryanodine receptor antagonist or by dissipation of pH in acidic stores by monensin alone, but they were greatly attenuated by IP(3) receptor inhibition as well as ionomycin plus monensin, suggesting involvement of IP(3)-sensitive acidic Ca(2+) stores. Taken together, our data suggest that extracellular ATP triggers exocytosis by mobilizing spatially limited acidic Ca(2+) stores through IP(3) receptors. This mechanism may explain how insulin secretion from the pancreas is coordinated through diffusible ATP that is co-released with insulin.     

Vanadate stimulates system A amino acid transport activity in skeletal muscle. Evidence for the involvement of intracellular pH as a mediator of vanadate action.

Sodium orthovanadate caused a 2-fold stimulation of system A transport activity in soleus muscle, as assessed by the uptake of the nonmetabolizable analog 2-(methylamino)isobutyric acid (MeAIB). The effect of vanadate on system A was rapid, concentration-dependent and was characterized by an increased Vmax without modification of Km for MeAIB. Under these conditions, vanadate also activated 3-O-methylglucose uptake and lactate production. The effects of vanadate on muscle metabolism showed a complex interaction with the effects of insulin. Thus, the stimulatory effects of vanadate and insulin on MeAIB and 3-O-methylglucose uptake were not additive; however, the effects of insulin and vanadate on lactate production were additive. In spite of the lack of additivity, insulin- and vanadate-induced stimulation of system A differed in their sensitivity to gramicidin D, being the vanadate effect more susceptible to inhibition by gramicidin D than the insulin effect. System A transport activity shows a dependence on pH, and recent results suggest the presence of critical histidine residues on the A carrier that may be responsible for its pH dependence (Bertran, J., Roca, A., Pola, E., Testar, X., Zorzano, A. & Palacín, M. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 798-802). In this regard, a rise in extracellular pH led to a substantial activation of system A. Furthermore, lowering of muscle intracellular pH induced by ethylisopropylamiloride (EIPA), a specific inhibitor of sodium/proton exchange activity, led to inhibition of system A. This suggests that critical histidine residues are present in an intracellular localization on the A carrier. Furthermore, the rate of muscle glycolysis was also altered in response to a rise in extracellular pH or to EIPA treatment. Regarding the mechanisms involved in vanadate action, vanadate treatment in the incubated soleus muscle did not cause any significant stimulation of tyrosine kinase activity after partial purification of muscle insulin receptors. On the other hand, vanadate but not insulin caused a substantial increase in muscle intracellular pH as assessed by 5,5'-dimethyloxazolidine-2,4-dione equilibrium. This effect of vanadate on intracellular pH was not due to activation of the sodium/proton exchanger, since it was not blocked by EIPA. Based on these findings, we suggest that alkalinization of muscle intracellular pH might mediate the effects of vanadate on system A and on glycolysis.