The effect of cell K+ on the volume regulation in rat kidney cortex cells

Incubation of outermost rat kidney cortex slices (rich in proximal tubules) at 0 degrees C in a medium without K+ produces an increase in their cell water, Na+ and Cl- contents and a diminution in their cell K+ content. When these slices are rewarmed at 25 degrees C in a medium without K+, they can regulate their cell volume and their cell Na+ and Cl- contents. When the rewarming period lasts more than 30 min, there is again a cellular swelling, which seems to be correlated with the diminution of the cell K+ concentration. This effect of cellular K+ appears to be related to severe changes in cellular permeability to ions and water. The oxygen consumption and the cell ATP concentrations are similar to those in control conditions. The ouabain-insensitive Na-pump activity is not affected by different concentrations of K+.