Interactions of pH and K+ conductance in cultured bovine retinal pigment epithelial cells

Passive ion transport properties were studied in confluent monolayers of cultured bovine retinal pigment epithelial cells using intracellular microelectrode technique. The mean stable intracellular (designated by subscript i) potential was -59.1 +/- 0.8 (SE) mV. Extracellular (designated by subscript o) acidification induced a depolarization, whereas alkalinization induced a hyperpolarization. These effects were observed both in bicarbonate-free as well as in HCO3- Ringer (pHo changed by varying [HCO3-]o at constant pCO2). Acidification of pHi (changed by addition and removal of butyrate, CO2 or NH3) also caused a depolarization. Complete removal of HCO3-/CO2 at constant pHo caused a hyperpolarization. K+ transference, checked by applying high K+o, increased with K+o. It decreased with both extra and intracellular acidification and increased with alkalinization. In the presence of Ba2+, voltage reactions to changes in either pHo or pHi were greatly reduced. Depolarization by 40 mM K+ caused a similar reduction. It is suggested that K+ conductance of bovine retinal pigment epithelial cells is reduced by either intra- or extracellular acidification at normal [K+]o. Depolarization by high K+ induces an increase in K+ transference and reduces pH sensitivity.