Cytoplasmic acidification and activation of Na+/H+ exchange during regulatory volume decrease in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.

Ehrlich ascites tumor cells undergoing regulatory volume decrease (RVD) exhibit cytoplasmic acidification as measured by an intracellular fluorescent pH indicator. The acidification results in an activation of the Na+/H+ exchanger. The intracellular pH 'set point' for the activation is estimated to be around 7.0. The activation of the Na+H+ exchanger leads to an incomplete RVD. In support of this conclusion, amiloride and Na+-free medium, known to limit the Na+/H+ exchange, indeed enhance the RVD response. Intracellular acidification and activation of Na+/H+ exchange may be a general response of cells undergoing RVD.