The use of 36Cl- to measure cell plasma membrane potential in isolated hepatocytes--effects of cyclic AMP and bicarbonate ions

The plasma membrane potential of hepatocytes was calculated from the distribution of 36Cl-. The potential observed under several conditions was equivalent to that previously measured using microelectrodes in perfused liver. Dibutyryl cAMP increased the membrane potential. Replacement of bicarbonate ions by morpholinosulphonate decreased the potential and reduced the effect of cAMP. The effect of both bicarbonate and cAMP was abolished by ouabain. Both bicarbonate and cAMP stimulated the activity of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase as measured by ouabain-inhibitable 86Rb+ uptake. It is suggested that the stimulation of alanine transport by these effectors is mediated by an increase in cell membrane potential via stimulation of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase.