Na+/H+ exchange is the major mechanism of pH regulation in cultured sympathetic neurons: Measurements in single cell bodies and neurites using a fluorescent pH indicator

The regulation of intracellular pH in single cell bodies and in neurites of cultured neurons from rat superior cervical ganglion was studied by continuous monitoring of pH transients using the fluorescent indicator bis(carboxyethyl)carboxy-fluorescein. Intracellular pH was 7.03 +/- 0.05 (n = 8) in bicarbonate-free media at pH 7.4 and was not affected by depolarization with high potassium. Brief exposure to NH4Cl caused rapid cytoplasmic …