CFTR-Mediated anion conductance regulates Na(+)-K(+)-pump activity in Calu-3 human airway cells

We studied the role of CFTR in the Na(+)-K(+)-pump activity of Calu-3 human airway cells. To estimate the Na(+)-K(+)-pump activity on the basolateral membrane, the ouabain-sensitive component of the short-circuit current (Isc) was measured after permeabilization of the apical membrane with nystatin, a Na(+) ionophore. The Na(+)-K(+)-pump activity was diminished by a selective CFTR blocker (glybenclamide) or nonspecific Cl(-) channel inhibitors (NPPB and DPC) but not by outwardly rectifying Cl(-) channel blockers (DNDS, DIDS). Augmentation of anion conductance by 8-bromo-cyclic AMP (8Br-cAMP, 1 mM) potentiated the Na(+)-K(+)-pump activity that was reduced by blocking CFTR or by the replacement of Cl(-) with gluconate, a less membrane-permeant anion. The Na(+)-K(+)-pump activity was unaffected by the replacement of Cl(-) with NO(-)(3) that has equal permeability through the CFTR. These results suggest that the anion movement through the CFTR may contribute to the Na(+)-K(+)-pump activity in Calu-3 cells by regulating the rate of Na(+) entry.