Cell alkalosis elevates cytosolic Ca2+ in rabbit resident alveolar macrophages

Disruption of cellular acid-base status alters the host defence functions of alveolar macrophages (m phi). These pH effects might be mediated by pH-sensitive changes in the signalling pathways of the effector functions of m phi. The present study examined the effects of intracellular pH (pH(i)) on the free cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)), an important second messenger for cell functions. [Ca(2+)](i) and pH(i) of rabbit resident alveolar m phi were measured using fluorescent dyes. With extracellular pH (pH(o)) of 7.4, the steady-state pH(i) and [Ca(2+)](i) were approx. 7.14 and 123 nM respectively. Incubation at pH(o) 6.8 caused a sustained cytosolic acidosis, but did not affect [Ca(2+)](i). Likewise, [Ca(2+)](i) was unchanged when m phi at pH(o) 7.4 were acidified using bafilomycin A(1) or sodium propionate. In contrast, [Ca(2+)](i) was markedly sensitive to cytosolic alkalosis. Exposure to NH(4)Cl at pH(o) 7.4 caused transient increases in both pH(i) and [Ca(2+)](i). The Ca(2+) response was mediated by release of intracellular Ca(2+) from thapsigargin-sensitive stores and was potentiated by capacitative entry of extracellular Ca(2+). Incubation at high pH(o) values (>7.4) produced sustained increases in pH(i) and [Ca(2+)](i). The sustained elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) was consistent with pH-sensitive inhibition of plasma-membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase. The response to high pH(o) was unaffected by blockade of L-type or receptor-operated Ca(2+) channels with nifedipine or SKF-96365, and was independent of extracellular Na(+). The findings indicate that pH impacts cytosolic Ca(2+) homoeostasis at multiple levels. The data suggest that cellular acid-base status can influence Ca(2+)-dependent signalling events in resident alveolar m phi, especially during alkaline disruptions of pH(i).