Decrease of extracellular pH associated with the secretion of catecholamines induced by barium in perfused bovine adrenal medulla.

1. The possible modifications of extracellular pH produced during buffer-free 5 mM Ba2+ stimulation was studied in decorticated perfused bovine adrenal glands. 2. A significant and reversible drop of pH accompanied the release of catecholamines each time the tissue was exposed to a buffer-free 5 mM Ba2+ solution. 3. A progressive declination of the magnitude of this acidification associated with a gradual attenuation of the secretory response was observed consecutive to successive periods of Ba(2+)-stimulation. 4. D-600 (methoxyverapamil), in a concentration of 3 x 10(-4) M, markedly antagonized both Ba(2+)-induced secretory response and extracellular pH drop. 5. Perfusion of adrenal medulla for 4 min period with Locke solution buffered at pH 6.9, significantly and reversibly reduced the secretory response to 5 mM Ba2+ (pH 6.9) compared to a first control response obtained 35 min before at pH 7.4. 6. These results are compatible with the view that Ba(2+)-induced secretory activity is accompanied by the release of protons which could be involved in a local negative automodulatory mechanism of adrenomedullary secretion.