Characterization of N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive proton pump in the rat kidney. Localization along the nephron.

This study is aimed both at characterizing an ATPase activity in rat kidney equivalent to the proton pump described in bovine kidney medulla and at localizing this enzyme along the nephron. Membrane fractions isolated from kidney homogenates by differential and density gradient centrifugations were enriched 7-fold in ATPase activity sensitive to N-ethylmaleimide (NEM). These fractions also displayed ATP-dependent proton transport. ATPase activity and proton transport in vesicles had similar pharmacological properties as both were insensitive to vanadate and ouabain and had similar sensitivities toward NEM (apparent Ki = 20 microM) and N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (apparent Ki = 50 microM). Proton transport was dependent on chloride availability as chloride addition to the extravesicular medium stimulated proton transport in a dose-dependent fashion (apparent K 1/2 = 7 mM). NEM-sensitive ATPase activity displaying similar pharmacological properties as proton transport in vesicles was also found in single segments of nephron. It was insensitive to vanadate and ouabain, was inhibited by similar concentrations of NEM (apparent Ki = 15-20 microM) and N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (apparent Ki = 30 microM), and is therefore likely to be a proton pump. NEM-sensitive ATPase was localized in all the segments of the rat nephron; its activity was highest in proximal convoluted tubules; intermediate in proximal straight tubules, thick ascending limbs, and cortical collecting tubules; and lowest in outer medullary collecting tubules.