Proton conductance of the plasma membrane: properties, regulation, and functional role

Abstract

H+ conductive pathways have been detected in the plasma membranes of a variety of cell types. The large exquisitely H(+)-selective permeability of the conductive pathway can support sizable net H+ fluxes. Although subtle differences exist among tissues and species, certain common features suggest that related transport systems are involved in all cases. The H+ conductance is gated by depolarizing voltages and is promoted by intracellular acidification. Conversely, extracellular acidification inhibits the conductance. These features facilitate net H+ efflux, while precluding potentially deleterious H+ uptake. In some cell types, activation of the conductance is additionally controlled by physiological ligands and by second messengers. The conductance most likely functions in the regulation of intracellular pH, contributing to the extrusion of H+ during repetitive depolarization of the plasma membrane, as occurs in neurons and muscle cells. This pathway may be particularly relevant in the case of phagocytes. When stimulated, these cells undergo a sustained depolarization, while generating large amounts of metabolic acid. In addition, conductive H+ fluxes may also provide counterions to neutralize the activity of electrogenic enzymes, as suggested for the phagocyte NADPH oxidase.