Acid-base changes alter Mg2+ uptake in mouse distal convoluted tubule cells

Metabolic alkalosis leads to renal magnesium conservation, whereas metabolic acidosis is associated with urinary magnesium wasting. Micropuncture studies suggest that these actions affect magnesium transport in the distal tubule. The cellular mechanisms of acid-base changes were investigated in an immortalized mouse distal convoluted tubule (MDCT) cell line. Intracellular free Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i) was determined by microfluorescence using the Mg(2+)-responsive dye, mag-fura 2. Mg2+ transport was assessed as a function of change in [Mg2+]i with time following placement of Mg(2+)-depleted cells into a buffer containing 1.5 mM magnesium. The uptake rate of Mg2+, d([Mg2+]i)/dt, into Mg(2+)-depleted cells determined with a buffer solution of pH 7.4 was 178 +/- 21 nM/s. Mg2+ uptake at pH 8.0 was markedly increased 278 +/- 35 nM/s, whereas transport at pH 6.0 was significantly reduced to 121 +/- 15 nM/s. Mg2+ uptake at pH 7.4 was not stimulated with 20 or 40 mM bicarbonate, nor were the differences in Mg...