ATP-dependent proton transport in human renal medulla

An electrogenic proton-translocating ATPase (H+-ATPase) has been described in turtle urinary bladder and bovine and rat renal medulla. In the present study, a membrane fraction with ATP-dependent H+ transport activity was isolated from human renal medulla. Intravesicular acidification was assessed by acridine orange absorbance changes. Proton transport was abolished by N-ethylmaleimide but not oligomycin or vanadate, differentiating this H+-ATPase from mitochondrial F0-F1 H+-ATPase and gastric H+-K+-ATPase. In addition, vesicular proton uptake was demonstrated to be independent of sodium and potassium cotransport. Proton translocation rate increased when transmembrane potential was clamped with valinomycin supporting an electrogenic mechanism. Hydrogen ion transport was dependent on the presence of chloride or bromide, since substitution by fluoride or nitrate markedly decreased intravesicular acidification. The transport characteristics of this proton-translocating ATPase are similar to those described for turtle urinary bladder and bovine and rat renal medulla, which have been assumed to play a role in urinary acidification by the medullary collecting duct.