Intercalated cell H+/OH- transporter expression is reduced in Slc26a4 null mice

Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2005 Dec;289(6):F1262-72. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.00206.2005. Epub 2005 Sep 6.

Abstract

Slc26a4 (Pds) encodes pendrin, a Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchanger expressed in the apical region of type B and non-A, non-B cells, which mediates secretion of OH(-) equivalents. Thus genetic disruption of Slc26a4 leads to systemic alkalosis in some treatment models. However, humans and mice with genetic disruption of Slc26a4 have normal acid-base balance under basal conditions. Thus we asked: 1) Is net acid excretion altered in Slc26a4 (-/-) mice under basal conditions? 2) In the absence of pendrin-mediated OH(-) secretion, are increases in intracellular and systemic pH minimized through changes in intercalated cell subtype abundance or intercalated cell H(+)/OH(-) transporter expression? To answer these questions, net acid excretion and H(+)/OH(-) transporter expression were examined in Slc26a4 (-/-) and Slc26a4 (+/+) mice using balance studies, immunolocalization, and immunoblotting. Excretion of ammonium, titratable acid, and citrate were the same in Slc26a4 null and wild-type mice. However, urinary pH and Pco(2) were much lower in Slc26a4 null relative to wild-type mice due to reduced urinary buffering of secreted H(+) by HCO(3)(-). Abundance of non-A, but not type A intercalated cells, was reduced within the cortical collecting ducts of Slc26a4 null mice. Moreover, kidneys from Slc26a4 null mice had reduced H(+)-ATPase, NBC3 and RhBG total protein expression, particularly within type B and non-A, non-B intercalated cells, although RhCG protein expression was unchanged. Reduced intercalated cell H(+)/OH(-) transporter expression is observed in Slc26a4 null mice, which likely attenuates the rise in intracellular and systemic pH expected with genetic disruption of Slc26a4.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anion Exchange Protein 1, Erythrocyte / metabolism
  • Anion Transport Proteins / deficiency*
  • Anion Transport Proteins / physiology*
  • Kidney / drug effects
  • Kidney / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Proton-Translocating ATPases / biosynthesis*
  • Proton-Translocating ATPases / metabolism
  • Sodium-Bicarbonate Symporters / biosynthesis*
  • Sulfate Transporters

Substances

  • Anion Exchange Protein 1, Erythrocyte
  • Anion Transport Proteins
  • Slc26a4 protein, mouse
  • Slc4a7 protein, mouse
  • Sodium-Bicarbonate Symporters
  • Sulfate Transporters
  • Proton-Translocating ATPases