[Changes in the activity of hydrogen ions in lymphocytes during the endocytosis of concanavalin A]

Changes of hydrogen ions activity in rat thymocytes were studied during the process of concanavalin A (Con A) endocytosis by cells. A possibility was shown to use fluoresceinisothiocyanate-labeled Con A for measuring pH values in the sites of mitogen localization. It is established that during the action of Con A endocytotic vesicles with low pH value are formed, while the pH value of the cytoplasm is increased. The pH value measured in the sites of mitogen localization depends on the treatment of cells by alpha-methyl-D-mannoside and sodium azide. Mechanisms of acidic-basic equilibrium changes in the cytoplasm of lymphocytes upon cell stimulation with mitogens are discussed.