NAADP induces pH changes in the lumen of acidic Ca2+ stores

NAADP (nicotinic acid-adenine dinucleotide phosphate)-induced Ca2+ release has been proposed to occur selectively from acidic stores in several cell types, including sea urchin eggs. Using fluorescence measurements, we have investigated whether NAADP-induced Ca2+ release alters the pH(L) (luminal pH) within these acidic stores in egg homogenates and observed their prompt, concentration-dependent alkalinization by NAADP (but not beta-NAD(+) or NADP). Like Ca2+ release, the pH(L) change was desensitized by low concentrations of NAADP suggesting it was secondary to NAADP receptor activation. Moreover, this was a direct effect of NAADP upon the acidic stores and not secondary to increases in cytosolic Ca2+ as it was not mimicked by IP3 (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate), cADPR (cyclic adenine diphosphoribose), ionomycin, thapsigargin or by direct addition of Ca2+, and was not blocked by EGTA. The results of the present study further support acidic stores as targets for NAADP and for the first time reveal an adjunct role for NAADP in regulating the pH(L) of intracellular organelles.