Modulation of Na+,K+-ATPase activity is of importance for RVD

Aim: This study was performed to examine the role of Na+,K+-ATPase activity for the adaptive response to cell swelling induced by hypoosmoticity, i.e. the regulatory volume decrease (RVD). Methods: The studies were performed on COS-7 cells transfected with rat Na+,K+-ATPase. To study changes in cell volume, cells were loaded with the fluorescent dye calcein and the intensity of the dye, following exposure to a hypoosmotic medium, was recorded with confocal microscopy. Results: Ouabain-mediated inhibition of Na+,K+-ATPase resulted in a dose dependent decrease in the rate of RVD. Total Rb-86(+) uptake as well as ouabain dependent Rb-86(+) uptake, used as an index of Na+,K+-ATPase dependent K+ uptake, was significantly increased during the first 2 min following exposure to hypoosmoticity. Since protein kinase C (PKC) plays an important role in the modulation of RVD, a study was carried out on COS-7 cells expressing rat Na+,K+-ATPase, where Ser23 in the catalytic alpha1 subunit of rat Na+,K+-ATPase had been mutated to Ala (S23A), abolishing a known PKC phosphorylation site. Cells expressing S23A rat Na+,K+-ATPase exhibited a significantly lower rate of RVD and showed no increase in Rb-86(+) uptake during RVD. Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that a PKC-mediated transient increase in Na+,K+-ATPase activity plays an important role in RVD.