Na-K-ATPase in isolated rabbit tubules after unilateral nephrectomy and Na+ loading

Na-K-ATPase activity was studied in tubule segments from the cortex and medulla of rabbit kidneys under normal conditions, after unilateral nephrectomy, and after chronic salt loading. After unilateral nephrectomy kidney weight increased by 37% and Na-K-ATPase activity rose significantly in all nephron segments by 36-200% (P less than 0.01). Oral salt loading for 2 wk with 0.5% NaCl caused an increase in GFR and in absolute sodium excretion as well as reabsorption; plasma aldosterone decreased by 44% (P less than 0.005). In the proximal segments (PCT, CPST, OMPST, and TDL) there were no marked changes in Na-K-ATPase activity, whereas along the whole length of the ascending limb of Henle's loop (iMTAL, MTAL, and CTAL) there was a significant rise in the enzymatic activity of 30-200% (P less than 0.02). In the distal segments (DCT, CCD, and OMCD) there was a marked decrease of 50-60% (P less than 0.005) in Na-K-ATPase activity after the salt loading. We conclude that unilateral nephrectomy caused a general increase in Na-K-ATPase activity along the whole length of the nephron, and salt loading caused a selective increase in enzyme activity along the ascending limb of Henle's loop and decrease in the distal segments.