Light-induced leucine transport in Halobacterium halobium envelope vesicles: a chemiosmotic system.

Halabacterium halobium cell envelope vesicles accumulate L-[14-C]leucine during illumination, against a large concentration gradient. Leucine uptake requires Na-+ and is optimal in KCl-loaded vesicles resuspended in KCl-NaCl solution (1.5 M:1.5 M). Half-maximal transport is seen at 1 X 10-minus 6 M leucine. In the dark the accumulated leucine is rapidly and exponentially lost from the vesicles. The action spectrum and the light-intensity dependence indicate that the transport is related to the extrusion of protons, mediated by bacteriorhodopsin. Since light gives rise to both a pH gradient and an opposing transmembrane potential (interior negative), it wass responsible for providing the energy for leucine transport. The following results were obtained under illumination: (1) membrane-permeant cations and valinomycin or gramicidin greatly inhibited leucine transport without altering the pH gradient; (2) buffering both inside and outside the vesicles eliminated the pH gradient while enhancing leucine transport; (3) dicyclohexylcarbodiimide increased the pH gradient without affecting leucine transport; (4) arsenate did not inhibit leucine uptake. A diffusion potential, established by adding valinomycin to KCl-loaded vesicles, caused leucine influx in the dark. These results suggest that the leucine transport system is not coupled to ATP hydrolysis, and responds to the membrane potential rather than to the pH gradient. The Na-+ dependence of the transport and the observation that a small NaCl pulse causes transient leucine influx in the dark in KCl-loaded vesicles, resuspended in KCl, even in the presence of p-trifluoromethoxycarbonylcyanide phenylhydrazone or with buffering, suggest that the translocation of leucine is facilitated by symport with Na-+.     

Membrane Transport in Isolated Vesicles from Sugarbeet Taproot : II. Evidence for a Sucrose/H-Antiport

The process of sucrose transport was investigated in sealed putative tonoplast vesicles isolated from sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) taproot. If the vesicles were allowed to develop a steady state pH gradient by the associated transport ATPase and 10 millimolar sucrose was added, a transient flux of protons out of the vesicles was observed. The presence of an ATPase produced pH gradient allowed [¹⁴C]sucrose transport into the vesicles to occur at a rate 10-fold higher than the rate observed in the absence of an imposed pH gradient. Labeled sucrose accumulated into the sealed vesicles could be released back to the external medium if the pH gradient was dissipated with carbonylcyanide-m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP). When the kinetics of ATP dependent [¹⁴C]sucrose uptake were examined, the kinetic profile followed the simple Michaelis-Menten relationship and a Michaelis constant of 12.1 millimolar was found. When a transient, inwardly directed sucrose gradient was imposed on the vesicles in the absence of charge compensating ions, a transient interior negative membrane potential was observed. This membrane potential could be prevented by the addition of CCCP prior to sucrose or dissipated by the addition of CCCP after sucrose was added. These results suggest that an electrogenic H⁺/sucrose antiport may be operating on the vesicle membrane.     

Delta pH-induced transport of Ca 2+ into smooth muscle plasma membrane vesicle fraction

Using the fluorescent dye acridine orange, the feasibility of formation in myometrium sarcolemma of closed inside-out oriented vesicles and of a proton gradient created by the pH-jump method and stable in time, was demonstrated. At the initial value of delta pH = 2, the characteristic time of the gradient dissipation providing for the pH change by one unity is 4 to 5 minutes. The proton gradient oriented from the intravesicular space to the environment stimulated the Ca2+ influx into the vesicles. The transmembrane gradient of H+ with the inside-out oriented sarcolemmal vesicles prevents the Ca2+ influx. It is concluded that plasma membranes of smooth muscle cells contain alongside with the ATP- and Na(+)-dependent Ca2+ transport systems also a mechanism of the delta pH-induced transport of this bivalent cation.     

Transport characteristics of L-glutamate in human jejunal brush-border membrane vesicles

Previous work using human jejunal brush-border membrane vesicles has demonstrated the existence of a distinct transport system in man for acidic amino acids. This system is energized by an inwardly directed Na+ gradient and an outwardly directed K+ gradient. These studies further characterize the transport of L-glutamate in the human jejunal brush-border membrane vesicles. Efflux studies were performed by loading the brush-border membrane vesicles with radiolabeled L-glutamate and sodium chloride. Extravesicular K+ accelerated the efflux of L-glutamate when compared to extravesicular Na+ or choline, indicating that potassium serves to recycle the carrier. Unlabeled extravesicular L-glutamate (but not D-glutamate) also enhanced the efflux of radiolabeled L-glutamate demonstrating that there is a bidirectional similarity to the transport system. The effect of pH on the transport system was also investigated by varying the intravesicular and extravesicular pH from 5.5 to 9. A pH environment of 6.5 produced the highest initial uptake rates as well as the greatest overshoots for transport of L-glutamate into brush-border membrane vesicles. The imposition of an inwardly directed pH gradient (5.5 outside, 7.5 inside) accelerated both the influx and efflux of L-glutamate. These results demonstrate that the L-glutamate carrier system in human jejunum appears to have similar energizing characteristics in either direction across the brush-border membrane. In addition, the system operates at an optimal pH of 6.5 and protonation of the system may enhance its mobility.     

Role of pH gradient and membrane potential in dipeptide transport in intestinal and renal brush-border membrane vesicles from the rabbit. Studies with L-carnosine and glycyl-L-proline

We examined the role of pH gradient and membrane potential in dipeptide transport in purified intestinal and renal brush-border membrane vesicles which were predominantly oriented right-side out. With an intravesicular pH of 7.5, changes in extravesicular pH significantly affected the transport of glycyl-L-proline and L-carnosine, and optimal dipeptide transport occurred at an extravesicular pH of 5.5-6.0 in both intestine and kidney. When the extravesicular pH was 5.5, glycyl-L-proline transport was accelerated 2-fold by the presence of an inward proton gradient. A valinomycin-induced K+ diffusion potential (interior-negative) stimulated glycyl-L-proline transport, and the stimulation was observed in the presence and absence of Na+. A carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone-induced H+ diffusion potential (interior-positive) reduced dipeptide transport. It is suggested that glycyl-L-proline and proton(s) are cotransported in intestinal and renal brush-border membrane vesicles, and that the process results in a net transfer of positive charge.     

Mechanism of L-glutamate transport in membrane vesicles from Bacillus stearothermophilus.

In the presence of electrochemical energy, several branched-chain neutral and acidic amino acids were found to accumulate in membrane vesicles of Bacillus stearothermophilus. The membrane vesicles contained a stereo-specific transport system for the acidic amino acids L-glutamate and L-aspartate, which could not translocate their respective amines, L-glutamine and L-asparagine. The transport system was thermostable (Ti = 70 degrees C) and showed highest activities at elevated temperatures (60 to 65 degrees C). The membrane potential or pH gradient could act as the driving force for L-glutamate uptake, which indicated that the transport process of L-glutamate is electrogenic and that protons are involved in the translocation process. The electrogenic character implies that the anionic L-glutamate is cotransported with at least two monovalent cations. To determine the mechanistic stoichiometry of L-glutamate transport and the nature of the cotranslocated cations, the relationship between the components of the proton motive force and the chemical gradient of L-glutamate was investigated at different external pH values in the absence and presence of ionophores. In the presence of either a membrane potential or a pH gradient, the chemical gradient of L-glutamate was equivalent to that specific gradient at different pH values. These results cannot be explained by cotransport of L-glutamate with two protons, assuming thermodynamic equilibrium between the driving force for uptake and the chemical gradient of the substrate. To determine the character of the cotranslocated cations, L-glutamate uptake was monitored with artificial gradients. It was established that either the membrane potential, pH gradient, or chemical gradient of sodium ions could act as the driving force for L-glutamate uptake, which indicated that L-glutamate most likely is cotranslocated in symport with one proton and on sodium ion.     

A role of H+ flux in active Ca2+ transport into sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles. I. Effect of an artificially imposed H+ gradient on Ca2+ uptake

To ascertain the function of H+ flux in active Ca2+ transport into sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles, the effect of pH gradient on Ca2+ transport was examined. A transient H+ gradient (inside-acidic) was imposed on K+-loaded sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles with the aid of K+-H+ exchange driven by nigericin. This proton gradient was dissipated rapidly and concomitantly with ATP-driven Ca2+ transport. Under these conditions, the initial rate of the Ca2+ uptake was increased about 1.5-fold. The stimulation of Ca2+ uptake was completely lost when the pH gradient was cancelled with an uncoupler plus membrane permeable cation before Ca2+ uptake. These results are interpreted in terms of H+ efflux coupled with Ca2+ transport.     

Evidence for tripeptide-proton symport in renal brush border membrane vesicles. Studies in a novel rat strain with a genetic absence of dipeptidyl peptidase IV

We have investigated the transport characteristics of L-phenylalanyl-L-prolyl-L-alanine in renal brush-border membrane vesicles isolated from Japan Fisher 344 rats. This particular rat strain genetically lacks dipeptidyl peptidase IV. Owing to the absence of this enzyme, the tripeptide was found to be completely resistant to hydrolysis by the renal brush-border membrane vesicles. Uptake of the tripeptide into these membrane vesicles in the presence of an inwardly directed Na+ gradient was slightly greater than in the presence of a K+ gradient, but there was no evidence for active transport. On the contrary, uptake was very rapid in the presence of an inside-alkaline transmembrane pH gradient, and accumulation of the tripeptide inside the vesicles against a concentration gradient could be demonstrated under these conditions. The uptake was drastically reduced by dissipation of the pH gradient. The uptake was stimulated by an inside-negative membrane potential and inhibited by an inside-positive membrane potential. Moreover, the uptake was greater in voltage-clamped membrane vesicles than in control vesicles. Many di- and tripeptides inhibited this pH gradient-stimulated uptake of Phe-Pro-Ala. The apparent dissociation constant for the tripeptide was 48 microM. High performance liquid chromatography analysis of the intravesicular content at the peak of the overshoot revealed that the tripeptide was transported across the membrane almost entirely in the intact form. These data provide the first direct evidence for the presence of an electrogenic tripeptide-proton symport in renal brush-border membranes.     

Steady state kinetics of ATP synthesis and hydrolysis catalyzed by reconstituted chloroplast coupling factor

The steady state kinetics of ATP synthesis and hydrolysis catalyzed by the chloroplast dicyclohexylcarbodiimide-sensitive ATPase reconstituted into phospholipid vesicles were studied as a function of the transmembrane proton gradient. Bacteriorhodopsin also was incorporated into the vesicles so that a constant pH gradient could be maintained by continuous illumination of the liposomes. The dependence of the initial rates of ATP synthesis and hydrolysis on substrate concentrations is consistent with Michaelis-Menten kinetics, with enzyme, ADP, and Pi forming a ternary complex. The Michaelis constants for both synthesis and hydrolysis are essentially independent of the pH gradient, while the maximum velocities depend strongly on it. The equilibrium constant for hydrolysis was calculated from the steady state kinetic parameters, and the dependence of the equilibrium constant on the pH gradient indicates that 3 protons are transported per ATP synthesized or hydrolyzed. The dependence of the steady state kinetic parameters on the pH gradient can be described by a mechanism in which the binding of substrates occurs before the transport of protons and the transport of the 3 protons is sequential rather than concerted.     

Isolation and assay of corn root membrane vesicles with reduced proton permeability

Conditions promoting the formation of sealed membrane vesicles from corn roots with reduced proton permeability were examined using the probe 9-aminoacridine as a rapid indicator of pH gradient formation and dissipation. Plasma membrane vesicles isolated by differential and density gradient centrifugation were leaky to protons and rapidly equilibrated when exposed to artificially imposed pH gradients. The leaky plasma membrane vesicles showed reduced proton permeability when incubated with calcium or with excess phospholipids. However, these vesicles were unable to form ATP-induced pH gradients. Sealed vesicles isolated by discontinuous Ficoll gradient centrifugation of a microsomal fraction displayed reduced proton permeability and were osmotically active. In contrast to purified plasma membrane vesicles, the microsomal-derived vesicles were more suitable for studies of active proton transport.     

Evidence for an organic cation-proton antiport system in brush-border membranes isolated from the human term placenta

Uptake of guanidine, an endogenous organic cation, into brush-border membrane vesicles isolated from human term placentas was investigated. Initial uptake rates were manyfold greater in the presence of an outward-directed H+ gradient ([pH]o greater than [pH]i) than in the absence of a H+ gradient ([pH]o = [pH]i). Guanidine was transiently accumulated inside the vesicles against a concentration gradient in the presence of the H+ gradient. The H+ gradient-dependent stimulation of guanidine uptake was not due to a H+-diffusion potential because an ionophore (valinomycin or carbonylcyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone)-induced inside-negative membrane potential failed to stimulate the uptake. In addition, uphill transport of guanidine could be demonstrated even in voltage-clamped membrane vesicles. The H+ gradient-dependent uptake of guanidine was inhibited by many exogenous as well as endogenous organic cations (cis-inhibition) but not by cationic amino acids. The presence of unlabeled guanidine inside the vesicles stimulated the uptake of labeled guanidine (trans-stimulation). These data provide evidence for the presence of an organic cation-proton antiporter in human placental brush-border membranes. Kinetic analysis of guanidine uptake demonstrated that the uptake occurred via two saturable, carrier-mediated transport systems, one being a high affinity, low capacity type and the other a low affinity, high capacity type. Studies on the effects of various cations on the organic cation-proton antiporter and the Na+-H+ exchanger revealed that these two transport systems are distinct.     

Phosphate transport into brush-border membrane vesicles isolated from rat small intestine.

Uptake of Pi into brush-border membrane vesicles isolated from rat small intestine was investigated by a rapid filtration technique. The following results were obtained. 1. At pH 7.4 in the presence of a NaCl gradient across the membrane (sodium concentration in the medium higher than sodium concentration in the vesicles), phosphate was taken up by a saturable transport system, which was competitively inhibited by arsenate. Phosphate entered the same osmotically reactive space as D-glucose, which indicates that transport into the vesicles rather than binding to the membranes was determined. 2. The amount of phosphate taken up initially was increased about fourfold by lowering the pH from 7.4 to 6.0.3. When Na+ was replaced by K+, Rb+ or Cs+, the initial rate of uptake decreased at pH 7.4 but was not altered at pH 6.0.4. Experiments with different anions (SCN-,Cl-, SO42-) and with ionophores (valinomycin, monactin) showed that at pH 7.4 phosphate transport in the presence of a Na+ gradient is almost independent of the electrical potential across the vesicle membrane, whereas at pH 6.0 phosphate transport involves the transfer of negative charge. It is concluded that intestinal brush-border membranes contain a Na+/phosphate co-transport system, which catalyses under physiological conditions an electroneutral entry of Pi and Na+ into the intestinal epithelial cell. In contrast with the kidney, probably univalent phosphate and one Na+ ion instead of bivalent phosphate and two Na+ ions are transported together.     

Membrane Transport in Isolated Vesicles from Sugarbeet Taproot: III. Effects of Fluoride on ATPase Activity and Transport

The effects of fluoride on the tonoplast type ATPase and transport activities associated with sealed membrane vesicles isolated from sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) storage tissue were examined. This anion had two distinct effects upon the proton-pumping vesicles. When ATP hydrolysis was measured in the presence of gramicidin D, significant inhibition (approximately 50%) only occurred when the fluoride concentration approached 50 millimolar. In contrast, the same degree of inhibition of proton transport occurred when the fluoride concentration was about 24 millimolar. Effects on proton pumping at this concentration of fluoride could be attributed to an inhibition of chloride movement which serves to dissipate the vesicle membrane potential. Valinomycin could partially restore ATPase activity in sealed vesicles which were inhibited by fluoride and this restoration occurred with a reduction in the membrane potential. Fluoride demonstrated a competitive interaction with chloride-stimulation of proton transport and inhibited the uptake of radioactive chloride into sealed vesicles. When the vesicles were allowed to develop a pH gradient in the absence of KCl, and KCl was subsequently added, fluoride reduced enhancement of the existing pH gradient by KCl. The results are consistent with a chloride carrier that is inhibited by fluoride.     

The high and low affinity transport systems for dipeptides in kidney brush border membrane respond differently to alterations in pH gradient and membrane potential

The principal aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of variation in proton gradient and membrane potential on the transport of glycyl-L-glutamine (Gly-Gln) by renal brush border membrane vesicles. Under our conditions of transport assay, Gly-Gln was taken up by brush border membrane vesicles almost entirely as intact dipeptide. This uptake was mediated by two transporters shared by other dipeptides and characterized as the high affinity (Kt = 44.1 +/- 11.2 microM)/low capacity (Vmax = 0.41 +/- 0.03 nmol/mg protein/5 s) and low affinity (Kt = 2.62 +/- 0.50 mM)/high capacity (Vmax 4.04 +/- 0.80 nmol/mg protein/5 s) transporters. In the absence of a pH gradient, only the low affinity system was operational, but with a reduced transport capacity. Imposing a pH gradient of 1.6 pH units increased the Vmax of both transporters. Kinetic analysis of the rates of Gly-Gln uptake as a function of external pH revealed Hill coefficients of close or equal to 1, indicating that transporters contain only one binding site for the interaction with external H+. The effects of membrane potential on Gly-Gln uptake were investigated with valinomycin-induced K+ diffusion potentials. The velocity of the high affinity system but not of the low affinity system increased linearly with increasing inside-negative K+ diffusion potentials (p less than 0.01). The Kt of neither system was affected by alterations in either pH gradient or membrane potential. We conclude that (a) the high affinity transporter is far more sensitive to changes in proton gradient and membrane potential than the low affinity transporter and (b) in the presence of a pH gradient, transport of each dipeptide molecule requires cotransport of one hydrogen ion to serve as the driving force.     

Changes in intravesicular pH during Ca2+ transport in the sarcoplasmic reticulum

Studies with the use of [3H]acetate as an delta pH-indicator have established that pH in the native vesicles of sarcoplasmic reticulum is by 0.54 unit lower, than its extra-molecular value (6.5 units). The double [3H] and radioactive [3H] and [45Ca2+] labels were used to show that Ca2+ transport into the sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles is accompanied by an increase in intravesicular pH. Carbonylcyanide-m-chlorophenylhydrazone, a protonophore, stimulates the equalization of the pH gradient (H+ removal) which is not accompanied by changes in the Ca2+ transport. In the presence of ionophore A23187 Ca2+ and [3H]acetate do not accumulate in vesicles in the ATP-dependent process. This indicates H+ removal from the vesicles only when there is the Ca2+ gradient creation and the absence of the close conjugation of Ca3+/2H+ realized by Ca2+-ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum.     

Analysis of the pH dependence of folate binding and transport by rat kidney brush border membrane vesicles

Folate reabsorption by the mammalian kidney occurs following a tight binding reaction with the renal brush border membrane. Previous studies have shown that transport of folic acid (PteGlu) by rat kidney brush border membrane vesicles occurs maximally at pH 5.6 via a saturable system that is associated with a binding component. The present studies have shown that the pH dependency of transport was due to the development of the transmembrane pH gradient (7.3 in/5.6 out), not to the acidic pH per se. The pH gradient-mediated transport was stimulated by an inwardly directed ionic gradient, either of NaCl or choline chloride. These gradients also stimulated the membrane binding of PteGlu suggesting that NaCl and choline chloride may have increased PteGlu transport by altering binding to the brush border membrane. Renal brush border membrane vesicular transport of PteGlu was not affected by induction of a relatively positive intravesicular space. Transport was inhibited by 4,4'-diisothiocyano-2,2'-disulfonic acid stilbene, an anion exchange inhibitor. The results suggest that rat kidney brush border membrane transport of PteGlu is initiated by association with a specific membrane protein, followed by transfer of folate across the membrane. The overall activity is influenced by a transmembrane pH gradient.     

Proton-motive force-driven D-galactose transport in plasma membrane vesicles from the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus.

Galactose transport was studied in membrane vesicles, prepared by fusion of plasma membranes from the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus with proteoliposomes containing beef heart cytochrome c oxidase as a proton-motive force-generating system. Sugar transport studies performed under nonenergized conditions revealed that, even at high protein to phospholipid ratios, not all vesicles contained a D-galactose-specific transporter. The amount of vesicles containing an active carrier proved to be proportional to the amount of plasma membrane protein present in the fusion mixture. By addition of a suitable electron donor system a proton-motive force of -160 mV could be generated, inside alkaline and negative. Moreover, D-galactose accumulation was observed. It was found that D-galactose accumulation was highly dependent on the phospholipid composition of the vesicles, whereas generation of a proton-motive force was not. Best results were obtained with vesicles prepared with Escherichia coli phospholipid, giving a galactose accumulation of 14 times. Uphill transport could be established under conditions where only the pH gradient or the electrical gradient was present. Moreover, kinetic analysis of the galactose transport activity in energized vesicles revealed influx with a Km value of 540 microM, which is in good agreement with the apparent affinity constant obtained with whole cells. These results establish that galactose transport of K. marxianus is a proton-motive force-driven process. Moreover it demonstrates that plasma membrane vesicles co-reconstituted with cytochrome c oxidase are a valuable resource for the analysis of proton-motive force-driven sugar transport systems of yeast.     

Hydroxyl/bile acid exchange. A new mechanism for the uphill transport of cholate by basolateral liver plasma membrane vesicles

In order to characterize the driving forces for the concentrative uptake of unconjugated bile acids by the hepatocyte, the effects of pH gradients on the uptake of [3H]cholate by rat basolateral liver plasma membrane vesicles were studied. In the presence of an outwardly directed hydroxyl gradient (pH 6.0 outside and pH 7.5 inside the vesicle), cholate uptake was markedly stimulated and the bile acid was transiently accumulated at a concentration 1.5- to 2-fold higher than at equilibrium ("overshoot"). In the absence of a pH gradient (pH 6.0 or 7.5 both inside and outside the vesicle), uptake was relatively slower and no overshoot was seen. Reductions in the magnitude of the transmembrane pH gradient were associated with slower initial uptake rates and smaller overshoots. Cholate uptake under pH gradient conditions was inhibited by furosemide and bumetanide but not by 4, 4'-diisothiocyano-2,2'-disulfonic stilbene (SITS), 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS), or probenecid. In the absence of a pH gradient, an inside-positive valinomycin-induced K+ diffusion potential caused a slight increase in cholate uptake which was insensitive to furosemide. Moreover, in the presence of an outwardly directed hydroxyl gradient, uphill cholate transport was observed even under voltage clamped conditions. These findings suggest that pH gradient-driven cholate uptake was not due to associated electrical potentials. Despite an identical pKa to that of cholate, an outwardly directed hydroxyl gradient did not drive uphill transport of three other unconjugated bile acids (deoxycholate, chenodeoxycholate, ursodeoxycholate), suggesting that a non-ionic diffusion mechanism cannot account for uphill cholate transport. In canalicular vesicles, although cholate uptake was relatively faster in the presence of a pH gradient than in the absence of a gradient, peak uptake was only slightly above that found at equilibrium under voltage clamped conditions. These findings suggest a specific carrier on the basolateral membrane of the hepatocyte which mediates hydroxyl/cholate exchange (or H+-cholate co-transport). A model for uphill cholate transport is discussed in which the Na+ pump would ultimately drive Na+/H+ exchange which in turn would drive hydroxyl/cholate exchange.     

欧洲山杨液泡膜Na+/H+ 反向运输体的性质鉴定

植物液泡膜Na /H 反向运输体可将细胞质中的Na 转运到液泡内储存,以减少胞内Na 的毒性.但木本植物如杨树是否有同样的机制目前还不清楚.以欧洲山杨的愈伤组织为材料,捣碎破碎愈伤组织细胞,经过差速离心和不连续蔗糖梯度离心得到纯化的欧洲山杨液泡微囊.通过液泡V-ATPase建立质子梯度,该液泡能够利用此梯度调控Na 的转运,表明液泡膜上存在Na /H 反向运输体活性(表观米氏常数Km是11.4mmol/L).Na /H 反向运输体的抑制剂——氨氯吡嗪咪能明显抑制转运体的活性.该Na /H 反向运输体也可以转运K ,但亲和能力比Na 低30%.该结果首次证明木本植物的液泡膜上存在Na /H 反向运输体.初步功能研究表明,愈伤组织在盐胁迫条件下,Na /H 反向运输体活性明显下降,提示该机制可能与山杨不耐盐有关.     

Existence of electrogenic hydrogen ion/sodium ion antiport in Halobacterium halobium cell envelope vesicles.

Illumination causes the extrusion of protons from Halobacterium halobium cell envelope vesicles, as a result of the action of light on bacteriorhodopsin. The protonmotive force developed is coupled to the active transport of Na+ out of the vesicles. The light-dependent ion fluxes in these vesicles were studied by following changes in the external pH, in the fluorescence of the dye, 3,3'-dipentyloxadicarbocyanine, in the 22Na content of the vesicles, and in [3H]dibenzyldimethylammonium (DDA+) accumulation. During Na+ efflux, and dependent on the presence of Na+ inside the vesicles, the initial light-induced H+ extrusion is followed by H+ influx, which results in net alkalinization of the medium at pH greater than 6.5. When the Na+ content of the vesicles is depleted, the original net of the medium is restored and large deltapH develops, accompanied by a decrease in the electrical potential. Data reported elsewhere suggest that the driving force for the transport of some amino acids consists mainly of the electrical potential, while for others it comprises the Na+ gradient as well. Glutamate transport appears to be energized only by the Na+ gradient. The development of the Na+ gradient during illumination thus plays an important role in energy coupling. The results obtained are consistent with the existence of an electrogenic H+/Na+ antiport mechanism (H+/Na+ greater than 1) in H halobium which facilitates the uphill Na+ efflux. The light-induced protonmotive force thereby becomes the driving force in forming a Na+ gradient. The presence of the proposed H+/Na+ antiporter explains many of the light-induced pH effects in intact H. halobium cells.