Relation between BK-α/β4-mediated potassium secretion and ENaC-mediated sodium reabsorption

Kidney Int. 2014 Jul;86(1):139-45. doi: 10.1038/ki.2014.14. Epub 2014 Feb 26.

Abstract

The large-conductance, calcium-activated BK-α/β4 potassium channel, localized to the intercalated cells of the distal nephron, mediates potassium secretion during high-potassium, alkaline diets. Here we determine whether BK-α/β4-mediated potassium transport is dependent on epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)-mediated sodium reabsorption. We maximized sodium-potassium exchange in the distal nephron by feeding mice a low-sodium, high-potassium diet. Wild-type and BK-β4 knockout mice were maintained on a low-sodium, high-potassium, alkaline diet or a low-sodium, high-potassium, acidic diet for 7-10 days. Wild-type mice maintained potassium homeostasis on the alkaline, but not acid, diet. BK-β4 knockout mice could not maintain potassium homeostasis on either diet. During the last 12 h of diet, wild-type mice on either a regular, alkaline, or an acid diet, or knockout mice on an alkaline diet, were administered amiloride (an ENaC inhibitor). Amiloride enhanced sodium excretion in all wild-type and knockout groups to similar values; however, amiloride diminished potassium excretion by 59% in wild-type but only by 33% in knockout mice on an alkaline diet. Similarly, amiloride decreased the trans-tubular potassium gradient by 68% in wild-type but only by 42% in knockout mice on an alkaline diet. Amiloride treatment equally enhanced sodium excretion and diminished potassium secretion in knockout mice on an alkaline diet and wild-type mice on an acid diet. Thus, the enhanced effect of amiloride on potassium secretion in wild-type compared to knockout mice on the alkaline diet clarify a BK- α/β4-mediated potassium secretory pathway in intercalated cells driven by ENaC-mediated sodium reabsorption linked to bicarbonate secretion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amiloride / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Epithelial Sodium Channel Blockers / pharmacology
  • Epithelial Sodium Channels / metabolism*
  • Hydrochlorothiazide / pharmacology
  • Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel alpha Subunits / deficiency
  • Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel alpha Subunits / genetics
  • Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel alpha Subunits / metabolism*
  • Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel beta Subunits / deficiency
  • Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel beta Subunits / genetics
  • Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel beta Subunits / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Nephrons / drug effects
  • Nephrons / metabolism*
  • Potassium / metabolism
  • Potassium, Dietary / administration & dosage
  • Sodium / metabolism*
  • Sodium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Sodium, Dietary / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Epithelial Sodium Channel Blockers
  • Epithelial Sodium Channels
  • Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel alpha Subunits
  • Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel beta Subunits
  • Potassium, Dietary
  • Sodium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors
  • Sodium, Dietary
  • Hydrochlorothiazide
  • Amiloride
  • Sodium
  • Potassium