The aim of this study was to examine whether cell volume variations could play a role in the previously reported Na+-K+-ATPase pump recruitment and/or activation induced by an increase in intracellular Na concentration (Nail in cortical collecting ducts (CCD). Isolated CCD from kidneys of aldosterone-repleted mice were incubated in hyper-, hypo-, or isosmotic solutions with and without Na to modify Nai and cell volume independently. Nai, cell volume, and the number of basolateral pumps were measured using Na-22, image analysis, and specific [H-3]ouabain binding, respectively. Ouabain-sensitive Rb-86 uptake was also measured. In CCD with high Nai, pump recruitment and/or activation was observed only when an increase in tubular volume was associated with Na load. Pump recruitment and/or activation was also induced by cell swelling in the absence of Na load. Recruited and/or activated pumps display an affinity for ouabain and a specific activity (ouabain-sensitive Rb uptake per pump unit) similar to basal pumps. We conclude that 1) cell swelling is implied in the process of Nai-dependent pump recruitment and/or activation, 2) cell swelling can promote pump recruitment and/or activation independently of Na load, 3) basal and recruited and/or activated pumps probably correspond to the same Na+-K+-ATPase isoform.
