Anionic Selectivity Sequence of the Cl−–H+ Symporter in the Synaptosomal Preparation from Rat Brain Cortex

The Na+/H+ exchanger has been the only unequivocally demonstrated H+-transport mechanism in the synaptosomal preparation. We had previously suggested that a Cl−–H+ symporter (in its acidifying mode) is involved in cytosolic pH regulation in the synaptosomal preparation. Supporting this suggestion, we now show that: (1) when synaptosomes are transferred from PSS to either gluconate or sulfate solutions, the Fura-2 ratio remains stable instead of increasing as it does in 50 mM K solution. This indicates that these anions do not promote a plasma membrane depolarization. (2) Based in the recovery rate from the cytosolic alkalinization, the anionic selectivity of the Cl−–H+ symporter is NO 3 − > Br− > Cl− >> I− = isethionate = sulfate = methanesulfonate = gluconate. (3) PCMB 10 μM inhibits the gluconate-dependent alkalinization by 30 ± 6%. (4) Neither Niflumic acid, 9AC, Bumetanide nor CCCP inhibits the recovery from the cytosolic alkalinization.