Link between cell apical morphology and H+ secretion in salamander small intestine

To determine the morphological basis for the cellular secretion of H+ by in vitro salamander jejunum the transepithelial proton flux (JH) was measured under different conditions and compared with the ultrastructure of the villus absorptive cells using transmission electron microscopy in conjunction with morphometric analysis. Norepinephrine (NE) stimulated JH and significantly increased the density of small cytoplasmic vesicular and tubular profiles in the region immediately below the apical plasma membrane of the absorptive cells. Cytoplasmic tubular elements were often observed in direct contact with the plasma membrane at the base of the microvilli, suggesting that expansion of the plasma membrane had occurred. The alpha 2-antagonist, yohimbine, blocked NE-stimulated H+ secretion and reduced the number of tubulovesicles. Theophylline reduced the rate of spontaneous acid secretion and the density of apical tubules and vesicles. Exposure to horseradish peroxidase revealed a physical connection between the extracellular space and the apical tubulovesicular compartment. The direct relationship between the number of apical vesicular and tubular profiles and JH suggests that the luminal membrane plays a fundamental role in the cellular events in H+ secretion. The membranes of the tubules and vesicles may be elements of a dynamic pool of transporting membranes under the control of exogenous effectors such as catecholamines.