Simultaneous imaging of intracellular [Ca2+] and pH in single MDCK and glomerular epithelial cells

The interrelationships between changes in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and intracellular pH in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells and kidney glomerular epithelial cells exposed to various stimuli were analyzed simultaneously using a new design of a fluorescence video microscope. Cells were double labeled with indo 1 and SNARF 1 dyes and were excited simultaneously at 350 and 540 nm. Images at four emission wavelengths were captured simultaneously at 405, 475, 575, and 640 nm at 30 frames/s for the two ratio dyes. SNARF sensitivity to pH between 6.5 and 8.0 was unchanged by [Ca2+]i. The SNARF ratio maps were used to correct the pH-dependent changes in the calculation of local cell calcium. NH4Cl loading produced the expected alkalinization and a concurrent rise in [Ca2+]i. When the NH4Cl was removed and the cells became acidic, a second rise in [Ca2+]i was recorded. Both changes in [Ca2+]i were from intracellular stores since they persisted in the absence of extracellular calcium. The findings demonstrate the need for pH correction of indo 1 recordings.