H-K-ATPase activity in PNA-binding intercalated cells of newborn rabbit cortical collecting duct

Functional and immunocytochemical studies indicate that intercalated cells in the adult rabbit cortical collecting duct (CCD) possess an H-K-adenosinetriphosphatase (H-K-ATPase). Because growing subjects must retain K+ and excrete H+, we sought to determine whether H-K-ATPase is present in the CCD early in life and, if so, to assess its activity and polarity. H-K-ATPase activity was defined as the initial rate of Sch-28080-inhibitable K+-dependent cell pH (pHi) recovery observed, in the absence of Na+, in response to an in vitro acid load. Transporter activity was assayed in intercalated cells labeled with the pH-sensitive dye 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein and apical cell surface marker rhodamine peanut lectin (PNA) in split-open CCDs isolated from neonatal and adult New Zealand White rabbits. In Na+-free N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid-buffered solutions (nominal absence of CO2/HCO3-), the rate of K+-dependent pH(i) recovery from a NH4Cl-induced acid load was similar in newborn (0.056 +/- 0.015 pH U/min, n = 9) and adult (0.060 +/- 0.019 pH U/min; n = 9, P = not significant) cells. This rate of K+-dependent pH(i) recovery was significantly reduced by 10-20 pM Sch-28080, an inhibitor of gastric H-K-ATPase, in both newborns (0.009 +/- 0.003 pH U/min, n = 7) and adults (0.013 +/- 0.007 pH U/min, n = 9) (P < 0.05 compared with rates in absence of inhibitor). To determine whether the location of the transporter is consistent with a role in K+ absorption and H+ secretion, pH(i) recovery of acutely acid-loaded intercalated cells in neonatal CCDs (n = 7) microperfused and bathed in the absence of Na+ and K+ was monitored after selective addition of K+ to either the luminal or basolateral membrane. Addition of 5 mM K+ led to a significantly greater rate of pH(i) recovery when it was added to the luminal rather than the peritubular solution (0.049 +/- 0.005 vs. 0.018 +/- 0.005 pH U/min, P < 0.05). We conclude that PNA-binding intercalated cells of the neonatal CCD possess H-K-ATPase activity, predominantly located in the apical membrane. This provides a mechanism for H secretion and K+ retention, processes required for growth.