The Role of Chloride-bicarbonate Exchange in the Regulation of Intracellular Chloride in Guinea-pig Vas Deferens

The Cl-depleted smooth muscle cells of guinea-pig vas deferens rapidly restore their intracellular Cl activity ( aiCl ) to a level 5 times higher than that predicted by a passive distribution when Cl- ions are readmitted to the extracellular solution. Cl reaccumulation, measured using Cl-sensitive micro-electrodes and the uptake of 36Cl, was slowed about 3-fold by the nominal absence of CO2 and HCO3 and about 10-fold by the presence of the anion exchange inhibitor DIDS (4-4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid). However, the usual level of intracellular Cl was eventually attained and neither condition reduced intracellular Cl in normal tissues. The loss of intracellular Cl that occurs when Cl- ions are removed from the extracellular solution was slowed about 3-fold by the nominal absence of CO2 and HCO3 and was accelerated by their readdition. DIDS slowed the fall in aiCl about 10-fold and reduced 36Cl efflux. Intracellular pH (pHi), measured using pH-sensitive micro-electrodes, increased by a mean of 0.73 units when Cl was removed from the superfusing solution in the presence of CO2 and HCO3, and rapidly decreased when Cl was readmitted. These changes are equivalent to an intracellular accumulation and loss of HCO3- ions respectively. The net transmembrane movement of HCO3- ions which would have caused these changes in pHi was calculated using the measured intracellular buffering power ( Aickin , 1984). 25% fewer HCO3- ions than Cl- ions were accumulated and lost and the HCO3 movement was completed 2-3 times faster than the simultaneous Cl movement under the same conditions. The changes in pHi induced by alteration of extracellular Cl were reduced by the nominal absence of CO2 and HCO3 and abolished by the presence of DIDS. The acidification recorded on readmission of Cl in the nominal absence of CO2 and HCO3 was compatible with a metabolic production of about 0.1% CO2. We conclude that Cl-HCO3 exchange plays a major role in the regulation of intracellular Cl. The exchange carrier is reversible, is completely inhibited by DIDS, and accounts for about 75% of the net Cl movement that occurs when Cl is removed from or readmitted to the extracellular solution. The mechanism which is responsible for the remaining Cl movement remains to be elucidated.