High dietary K+ intake inhibits proximal tubule transport.

The impact of chronic dietary K+ loading on proximal tubule (PT) function was measured using free-flow micropuncture along with measurements of overall kidney function, including urine volume, glomerular filtration rate, and absolute and fractional Na+ and K+ excretion in the rat. Feeding animals a diet with 5% KCl [high K+ (HK)] for 7 days reduced glomerular filtration rate by 29%, increased urine volume by 77%, and increased absolute K+ excretion by 202% compared with rats on a 1% KCl [control K+ (CK)] diet. HK did not change absolute Na+ excretion but significantly increased fraction excretion of Na+ (1.40% vs. 0.64%), indicating that fractional Na+ absorption is reduced by HK. PT reabsorption was assessed using free-flow micropuncture in anesthetized animals. At 80% of the accessible length of the PT, measurements of inulin concentration indicated volume reabsorption of 73% and 54% in CK and HK, respectively. At the same site, fractional PT Na+ reabsorption was 66% in CK animals and 37% in HK animals. Fractional PT K+ reabsorption was 66% in CK and 37% in HK. To assess the role of Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3) in mediating these changes, we measured NHE3 protein expression in total kidney microsomes as well as surface membranes using Western blots. We found no significant changes in protein in either cell fraction. Expression of the Ser552 phosphorylated form of NHE3 was also similar in CK and HK animals. Reduction in PT transport may facilitate K+ excretion and help balance Na+ excretion by shifting Na+ reabsorption from K+-reabsorbing to K+-secreting nephron segments.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In rats fed a diet rich in K+, proximal tubules reabsorbed less fluid, Na+, and K+ compared with those in animals on a control diet. Glomerular filtration rates also decreased, probably due to glomerulotubular feedback. These reductions may help to maintain balance of the two ions simultaneously by shifting Na+ reabsorption to K+-secreting nephron segments.

High Dietary Sodium, Measured Using Spot Urine Samples, is Associated with Higher Blood Pressure among Young Adults in Haiti.

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is the leading cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor in Haiti and is likely driven by poverty-related social and dietary factors. Salt consumption in Haiti is hypothesized to be high but has never been rigorously quantified. Methods: We used spot urine samples from a subset of participants in the population-based Haiti Cardiovascular Disease Cohort to estimate population mean daily sodium intake. We compared three previously validated formulas for estimating dietary sodium intake using urine sodium, urine creatinine, age, sex, height, and weight. We explored the association between dietary sodium intake and blood pressure, stratified by age group. Results: A total of 1,240 participants had spot urine samples. Median age was 38 years (range 18-93), and 48% were female. The mean dietary sodium intake was 3.5-5.0 g/day across the three estimation methods, with 94.2%-97.9% of participants consuming above the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended maximum of 2 g/day of sodium. Among young adults aged 18-29, increasing salt intake from the lowest quartile of consumption (<3.73 g/day) to the highest quartile (>5.88 g/day) was associated with a mean 8.71 mmHg higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) (95% confidence interval: 3.35, 14.07; p = 0.001). An association was not seen in older age groups. Among participants under age 40, those with SBP ≥120 mmHg consumed 0.5 g/day more sodium than those with SBP <120 mmHg (95% confidence interval: 0.08, 0.69; p = 0.012). Conclusions: Nine out of 10 Haitian adults in our study population consumed more than the WHO recommended maximum for daily sodium intake. In young adults, higher sodium consumption was associated with higher SBP. This represents an inflection point for increased HTN risk early in the life course and points to dietary salt intake as a potential modifiable risk factor for primordial and primary CVD prevention in young adults.

Directing two-way traffic in the kidney: A tale of two ions.

The kidneys regulate levels of Na+ and K+ in the body by varying urinary excretion of the electrolytes. Since transport of each of the two ions can affect the other, controlling both at the same time is a complex task. The kidneys meet this challenge in two ways. Some tubular segments change the coupling between Na+ and K+ transport. In addition, transport of Na+ can shift between segments where it is coupled to K+ reabsorption and segments where it is coupled to K+ secretion. This permits the kidney to maintain electrolyte balance with large variations in dietary intake.

Expression of ENaC subunits in epithelia.

The epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) is a heterotrimeric protein whose assembly, trafficking, and function are highly regulated. To better understand the biogenesis and activation of the channel, we quantified the expression of individual subunits of ENaC in rat kidneys and colon using calibrated Western blots. The estimated abundance for the three subunits differed by an order of magnitude with the order γENaC ∼ ßENaC ≫ αENaC in both organs. Transcript abundance in the kidney, measured with digital-drop PCR and RNAseq, was similar for the three subunits. In both organs, the calculated protein expression of all subunits was much larger than that required to account for maximal Na+ currents measured in these cells, implying a large excess of subunit protein. Whole-kidney biotinylation indicated that at least 5% of ß and γ subunits in the kidney and 3% in the colon were expressed on the surface under conditions of salt restriction, which maximizes ENaC-dependent Na+ transport. This indicates a 10- to 100-fold excess of ßENaC and γENaC subunits at the surface relative to the requirement for channel activity. We conclude that these epithelia make much more ENaC protein than is required for the physiological function of the channel. This could facilitate rapid regulation of the channels at the cell surface by insuring a large population of inactive, recruitable subunits.

Sex difference in kidney electrolyte transport III: Impact of low K intake on thiazide-sensitive cation excretion in male and female mice.

We compared the regulation of the NaCl cotransporter (NCC) in adaptation to a low-K (LK) diet in male and female mice. We measured hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)-induced changes in urine volume (UV), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), absolute (ENa, EK), and fractional (FENa, FEK) excretion in male and female mice on control-K (CK, 1% KCl) and LK (0.1% KCl) diets for 7 days. With CK, NCC-dependent ENa and FENa were larger in females than males as observed previously. However, with LK, HCTZ-induced ENa and FENa increased in males but not in females, abolishing the sex differences in NCC function as observed in CK group. Despite large diuretic and natriuretic responses to HCTZ, EK was only slightly increased in response to the drug when animals were on LK. This suggests that the K-secretory apparatus in the distal nephron is strongly suppressed under these conditions. We also examined LK-induced changes in Na transport protein expression by Western blotting. Under CK conditions females expressed more NCC protein, as previously reported. LK doubled both total (tNCC) and phosphorylated NCC (pNCC) abundance in males but had more modest effects in females. The larger effect in males abolished the sex-dependence of NCC expression, consistent with the measurements of function by renal clearance. LK intake did not change NHE3, NHE2, or NKCC2 expression, but reduced the amount of the cleaved (presumably active) form of γENaC. LK reduced plasma K to lower levels in females than males. These results indicated that males had a stronger NCC-mediated adaptation to LK intake than females.

ENaC and ROMK channels in the connecting tubule regulate renal K+ secretion.

We measured the activities of epithelial Na channels (ENaC) and ROMK channels in the distal nephron of the mouse kidney and assessed their role in the process of K+ secretion under different physiological conditions. Under basal dietary conditions (0.5% K), ENaC activity, measured as amiloride-sensitive currents, was high in cells at the distal end of the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) and proximal end of the connecting tubule (CNT), a region we call the early CNT (CNTe). In more distal parts of the CNT (aldosterone-sensitive portion [CNTas]), these currents were minimal. This functional difference correlated with alterations in the intracellular location of ENaC, which was at or near the apical membrane in CNTe and more cytoplasmic in the CNTas. ROMK activity, measured as TPNQ-sensitive currents, was substantial in both segments. A mathematical model of the rat nephron suggested that K+ secretion by the CNTe predicted from these currents provides much of the urinary K+ required for K balance on this diet. In animals fed a K-deficient diet (0.1% K), both ENaC and ROMK currents in the CNTe decreased by ∼50%, predicting a 50% decline in K+ secretion. Enhanced reabsorption by a separate mechanism is required to avoid excessive urinary K+ losses. In animals fed a diet supplemented with 3% K, ENaC currents increased modestly in the CNTe but strongly in the CNTas, while ROMK currents tripled in both segments. The enhanced secretion of K+ by the CNTe and the recruitment of secretion by the CNTas account for the additional transport required for K balance. Therefore, adaptation to increased K+ intake involves the extension of robust K+ secretion to more distal parts of the nephron.

Cleavage state of γENaC in mouse and rat kidneys.

Extracellular proteases can activate the epithelial Na channel (ENaC) by cleavage of the γ subunit. Here, we investigated the cleavage state of the channel in the kidneys of mice and rats on a low-salt diet. We identified the cleaved species of channels expressed in Fisher rat thyroid cells by coexpressing the apical membrane-bound protease channel-activating protease 1 (CAP1; prostasin). To compare the peptides produced in the heterologous system with those in the mouse kidney, we treated both lysates with PNGaseF to remove N-linked glycosylation. The apparent molecular mass of the smallest COOH-terminal fragment of γENaC (52 kDa) was indistinguishable from that of the CAP1-induced species in Fisher rat thyroid cells. Similar cleaved peptides were observed in total and cell surface fractions of the rat kidney. This outcome suggests that most of the subunits at the surface have been processed by extracellular proteases. This was confirmed using nonreducing gels, in which the NH2- and COOH-terminal fragments of γENaC are linked by a disulfide bond. Under these conditions, the major cleaved form in the rat kidney had an apparent molecular mass of 56 kDa, ∼4 kDa lower than that of the full-length form, consistent with excision of a short peptide by two proteolytic events. We conclude that the most abundant γENaC species in the apical membrane of rat and mouse kidneys on a low-Na diet is the twice-cleaved, presumably activated form.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We have identified the major aldosterone-dependent cleaved form of the epithelial Na channel (ENaC) γ subunit in the kidney as a twice-cleaved peptide. This form appears to be identical in size with a subunit cleaved in vitro by the extracellular protease channel-activating protease 1 (prostasin). In the absence of reducing agents, it has an overall molecular mass less than that of the intact subunit, consistent with the excision of an inhibitory domain.

Aldosterone-dependent and -independent regulation of Na+ and K+ excretion and ENaC in mouse kidneys.

We investigated the regulation of Na+ and K+ excretion and the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) in mice lacking the gene for aldosterone synthase (AS) using clearance methods to assess excretion and electrophysiology and Western blot analysis to test for ENaC activity and processing. After 1 day of dietary Na+ restriction, AS-/- mice lost more Na+ in the urine than AS+/+ mice did. After 1 wk on this diet, both genotypes strongly reduced urinary Na+ excretion, but creatinine clearance decreased only in AS-/- mice. Only AS+/+ animals exhibited increased ENaC function, assessed as amiloride-sensitive whole cell currents in collecting ducts or cleavage of αENaC and γENaC in Western blots. To assess the role of aldosterone in the excretion of a K+ load, animals were fasted overnight and refed with high-K+ or low-K+ diets for 5 h. Both AS+/+ and AS-/- mice excreted a large amount of K+ during this period. In both phenotypes the excretion was benzamil sensitive, indicating increased K+ secretion coupled to ENaC-dependent Na+ reabsorption. However, the increase in plasma K+ under these conditions was much larger in AS-/- animals than in AS+/+ animals. In both groups, cleavage of αENaC and γENaC increased. However, Na+ current measured ex vivo in connecting tubules was enhanced only in AS+/+ mice. We conclude that in the absence of aldosterone, mice can conserve Na+ without ENaC activation but at the expense of diminished glomerular filtration rate. Excretion of a K+ load can be accomplished through aldosterone-independent upregulation of ENaC, but aldosterone is required to excrete the excess K+ without hyperkalemia.

Ubiquitination of renal ENaC subunits in vivo.

Ubiquitination of the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) in epithelial cells may influence trafficking and hormonal regulation of the channels. We assessed ENaC ubiquitination (ub-ENaC) in mouse and rat kidneys using affinity beads to capture ubiquitinated proteins from tissue homogenates and Western blot analysis with anti-ENaC antibodies. Ub-αENaC was observed primarily as a series of proteins of apparent molecular mass of 40-70 kDa, consistent with the addition of variable numbers of ubiquitin molecules primarily to the NH2-terminal cleaved fragment (~30 kDa) of the subunit. No significant Ub-ßENaC was detected, indicating that ubiquitination of this subunit is minimal. For γENaC, the protein eluted from the affinity beads had the same apparent molecular mass as the cleaved COOH-terminal fragment of the subunit (~65 kDa). This suggests that the ubiquitinated NH2 terminus remains attached to the COOH-terminal moiety during isolation through disulfide bonds. Consistent with this, under nonreducing conditions, eluates contained material with increased molecular mass (90-150 kDa). In mice with a Liddle syndrome mutation (ß566X) deleting a putative binding site for the ubiquitin ligase neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated 4-2, the amount of ub-γENaC was reduced as expected. To assess aldosterone dependence of ubiquitination, we fed rats either control or low-Na+ diets for 7 days before kidney harvest. Na+ depletion increased the amounts of ub-αENaC and ub-γENaC by three- to fivefold, probably reflecting increased amounts of fully cleaved ENaC. We conclude that ubiquitination occurs after complete proteolytic processing of the subunits, contributing to retrieval and/or disposal of channels expressed at the cell surface. Diminished ubiquitination does not appear to be a major factor in aldosterone-dependent ENaC upregulation.

Sex difference in kidney electrolyte transport II: impact of K+ intake on thiazide-sensitive cation excretion in male and female mice.

We studied sex differences in response to high K+ (HK) intake on thiazide-sensitive cation (Na+ and K+) excretion in wild-type (WT) and ANG II receptor subtype 1a (AT1aR) knockout (KO) mice. Renal clearance experiments were performed to examine Na+-Cl- cotransporter (NCC) activity on mice fed with control and HK (5% KCl, 7 days) diets. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)-induced changes in urine volume, glomerular filtration rate, absolute Na+ and K+ excretion, and fractional excretion were compared. HK-induced changes in NCC, Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3), and ENaC expression were examined by Western blot analysis. In WT animals under the control diet, HCTZ-induced cation excretion was greater in female animals, reflecting larger increases in Na+ excretion, since there was little sex difference in HCTZ-induced K+ excretion. Under the HK diet, the sex difference in HCTZ-induced cation excretion was reduced because of larger increments in K+ excretion in male animals. The fraction of K+ excretion was 57 ± 5% in male WT animals and 36 ± 4% in female WT animals (P < 0.05), but this difference was absent in AT1aR KO mice. NCC abundance was higher in female animals than in male animals but decreased by similar fractions on HK diet. NHE3 abundance decreased, whereas cleaved forms of γ-ENaC increased, with HK in all groups; these changes were similar in male and female animals and were not significantly affected by AT1aR ablation. These results indicate that, with the HK diet, male animals display greater distal Na+ delivery and greater activation of K+ secretion mechanisms, all suggesting a more powerful male adaptation to HK intake.

Determinants of selective ion permeation in the epithelial Na+ channel.

The epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) is a key transporter mediating and controlling Na+ reabsorption in many tight epithelia. A very high selectivity for Na+ over other cations, including K+, is a hallmark of this channel. This selectivity greatly exceeds that of the closely related acid-sensing channels (ASICs). Here, we assess the roles of two regions of the ENaC transmembrane pore in the determination of cation selectivity. Mutations of conserved amino acids with acidic side chains near the cytoplasmic end of the pore diminish macroscopic currents but do not decrease the selectivity of the channel for Na+ versus K+ In the WT channel, voltage-dependent block of Na+ currents by K+ or guanidinium+, neither of which have detectable conductance, suggests that these ions permeate only ∼20% of the transmembrane electric field. According to markers of the electric field determined by Zn2+ block of cysteine residues, the site of K+ block appears to be nearer to the extracellular end of the pore, close to a putative selectivity filter identified using site-directed mutations. To test whether differences in this part of the channel account for selectivity differences between ENaC and ASIC, we substitute amino acids in the three ENaC subunits with those present in the ASIC homotrimer. In this construct, Li:Na selectivity is altered from that of WT ENaC, but the high Na:K selectivity is maintained. We conclude that a different part of the pore may constitute the selectivity filter in the highly selective ENaC than in the less-selective ASIC channel.

Regulation of renal Na transporters in response to dietary K.

Changes in the expression of Na transport proteins were measured in the kidneys of mice with increased dietary K intake for 1 wk. The epithelial Na channel (ENaC) was upregulated, with enhanced expression of full-length and cleaved forms of α-ENaC and cleaved γ-ENaC. At the same time, the amount of the NaCl cotransporter NCC and its phosphorylated form decreased by ~50% and ~80%, respectively. The expression of the phosphorylated form of the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter NKCC2 also decreased, despite an increase in overall protein content. The effect was stronger in males (80%) than in females (40%). This implies that less Na+ is reabsorbed in the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop and distal convoluted tubule along with Cl-, whereas more is reabsorbed in the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron in exchange for secreted K+. The abundance of the proximal tubule Na/H exchanger NHE3 decreased by ~40%, with similar effects in males and females. Time-course studies indicated that NCC and NHE3 proteins decreased progressively over 7 days on a high-K diet. Expression of mRNA encoding these proteins increased, implying that the decreased protein levels resulted from decreased rates of synthesis or increased rates of degradation. The potential importance of changes in NHE3, NKCC2, and NCC in promoting K+ excretion was assessed with a mathematical model. Simulations indicated that decreased NHE3 produced the largest effect. Regulation of proximal tubule Na+ transport may play a significant role in achieving K homeostasis.

Na restriction activates epithelial Na channels in rat kidney through two mechanisms and decreases distal Na+ delivery.

KEY POINTS: Dietary Na restriction, through the mineralocorticoid aldosterone, acts on epithelial Na channels via both fast (24 h) and slow (5-7 days) mechanisms in the kidney. The fast effect entails increased proteolytic processing and trafficking of channel protein to the apical membrane. It is rapidly reversible by the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist eplerenone and is largely lost when tubules are studied ex vivo. The slow effect does not require increased processing or surface expression, is refractory to acute eplerenone treatment, and is preserved ex vivo. Both slow and fast effects contribute to Na retention in vivo. Increased Na+ reabsorption in the proximal tubule also promotes Na conservation under conditions of chronic dietary Na restriction, reducing Na+ delivery to the distal nephron. ABSTRACT: Changes in the activity of the epithelial Na channel (ENaC) help to conserve extracellular fluid volume. In rats fed a low-salt diet, proteolytic processing of ENaC increased within 1 day, and was almost maximal after 3 days. The rapid increase in the abundance of cleaved αENaC and γENaC correlated with decreased urinary Na+ excretion and with increased ENaC surface expression. By contrast, ENaC activity, measured ex vivo in isolated cortical collecting ducts, increased modestly after 3 days and required 5 days to reach maximal levels. The mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist eplerenone reversed the increase in cleaved γENaC and induced natriuresis after 1 or 3 days but failed to alter either ENaC currents or Na+ excretion after 7 days of Na restriction. We conclude that Na depletion, through aldosterone, stimulates ENaC via independent fast and slow mechanisms. In vivo, amiloride-induced natriuresis increased after 1 day of Na depletion. By contrast, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)-induced natriuresis decreased gradually over 7 days, consistent with increased ability of ENaC activity to compensate for decreased Na+ reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule. Administration of amiloride and HCTZ together increased Na+ excretion less in Na-depleted compared to control animals, indicating decreased delivery of Na+ to the distal nephron when dietary Na is restricted. Measurements of creatinine and Li+ clearances indicated that increased Na reabsorption by the proximal tubules is responsible for the decreased delivery. Thus, Na conservation during chronic dietary salt restriction entails enhanced transport by both proximal and distal nephron segments.

Epithelial transport in The Journal of General Physiology.

Epithelia define the boundaries of the body and often transfer solutes and water from outside to inside (absorption) or from inside to outside (secretion). Those processes involve dual plasma membranes with different transport components that interact with each other. Understanding those functions has entailed breaking down the problem to analyze properties of individual membranes (apical vs. basolateral) and individual transport proteins. It also requires understanding of how those components interact and how they are regulated. This article outlines the modern history of this research as reflected by publications in The Journal of General Physiology.

Responses of distal nephron Na+ transporters to acute volume depletion and hyperkalemia.

We assessed effects of acute volume reductions induced by administration of diuretics in rats. Direct block of Na+ transport produced changes in urinary electrolyte excretion. Adaptations to these effects appeared as alterations in the expression of protein for the distal nephron Na+ transporters NCC and ENaC. Two hours after a single injection of furosemide (6 mg/kg) or hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ; 30 mg/kg) Na+ and K+ excretion increased but no changes in the content of activated forms of NCC (phosphorylated on residue T53) or ENaC (cleaved γ-subunit) were detected. In contrast, amiloride (0.6 mg/kg) evoked a similar natriuresis that coincided with decreased pT53NCC and increased cleaved γENaC. Alterations in posttranslational membrane protein processing correlated with an increase in plasma K+ of 0.6-0.8 mM. Decreased pT53NCC occurred within 1 h after amiloride injection, whereas changes in γENaC were slower and were blocked by the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist spironolactone. Increased γENaC cleavage correlated with elevation of the surface expression of the subunit as assessed by in situ biotinylation. Na depletion induced by 2 h of furosemide or HCTZ treatment increases total NCC expression without affecting ENaC protein. However, restriction of Na intake for 10 h (during the day) or 18 h (overnight) increased the abundance of both total NCC and of cleaved α- and γENaC. We conclude that the kidneys respond acutely to hyperkalemic challenges by decreasing the activity of NCC while increasing that of ENaC. They respond to hypovolemia more slowly, increasing Na+ reabsorptive capacities of both of these transporters.

SGK1-dependent ENaC processing and trafficking in mice with high dietary K intake and elevated aldosterone.

We examined renal Na and K transporters in mice with deletions in the gene encoding the aldosterone-induced protein SGK1. The knockout mice were hyperkalemic, and had altered expression of the subunits of the epithelial Na channel (ENaC). The kidneys showed decreased expression of the cleaved forms of the γENaC subunit, and the fully glycosylated form of the ßENaC subunits when animals were fed a high-K diet. Knockout animals treated with exogenous aldosterone also had reduced subunit processing and diminished surface expression of ßENaC and γENaC. Expression of the three upstream Na transporters NHE3, NKCC2, and NCC was reduced in both wild-type and knockout mice in response to K loading. The activity of ENaC measured as whole cell amiloride-sensitive current (INa) in principal cells of the cortical collecting duct (CCD) was minimal under control conditions but was increased by a high-K diet to a similar extent in knockout and wild-type animals. INa in the connecting tubule also increased similarly in the two genotypes in response to exogenous aldosterone administration. The activities of both ROMK channels in principal cells and BK channels in intercalated cells of the CCD were unaffected by the deletion of SGK1. Acute treatment of animals with amiloride produced similar increases in Na excretion and decreases in K excretion in the two genotypes. The absence of changes in ENaC activity suggests compensation for decreased surface expression. Altered K balance in animals lacking SGK1 may reflect defects in ENaC-independent K excretion.

Properties of acid-induced currents in mouse dorsal root ganglia neurons.

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are cation channels that are activated by protons (H(+)). They are expressed in neurons throughout the nervous system and may play important roles in several neurologic disorders including inflammation, cerebral ischemia, seizures, neurodegeneration, anxiety, depression, and migraine. ASICs generally produce transient currents that desensitize in response to a decrease in extracellular pH Under certain conditions, the inactivation of ASICs can be incomplete and allow them to produce sustained currents. Here, we characterize the properties of both transient and sustained acid-induced currents in cultured mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. At pH levels between 7.3 and 7.1 they include "window currents" through ASICs. With stronger acid signals sustained currents are maintained in the absence of extracellular Na(+) or the presence of the ASIC blockers amiloride and Psalmotoxin-1(PcTx1). These sustained responses may have several different origins in these cells, including acid-induced stimulation of inward Cl(-) currents, block of outward K(+) currents, and augmentation of inward H(+) currents, properties that distinguish these novel sustained currents from the well-characterized transient currents.

Regulation of ENaC trafficking in rat kidney.

The epithelial Na channel (ENaC) forms a pathway for Na(+) reabsorption in the distal nephron, and regulation of these channels is essential for salt homeostasis. In the rat kidney, ENaC subunits reached the plasma membrane in both immature and fully processed forms, the latter defined by either endoglycosidase H-insensitive glycosylation or proteolytic cleavage. Animals adapted to a low-salt diet have increased ENaC surface expression that is specific for the mature forms of the subunit proteins and is similar (three- to fourfold) for α, ß, and γENaC. Kidney membranes were fractionated using differential centrifugation, sucrose-gradient separation, and immunoabsorption. Endoplasmic reticulum membranes, isolated using an antibody against calnexin, expressed immature γENaC, and the content decreased with Na depletion. Golgi membranes, isolated with an antibody against the cis-Golgi protein GM130, expressed both immature and processed γENaC; Na depletion increased the content of processed γENaC in this fraction by 3.8-fold. An endosomal compartment isolated using an antibody against Rab11 contained both immature and processed γENaC; the content of processed subunit increased 2.4-fold with Na depletion. Finally, we assessed the content of γENaC in the late endocytic compartments indirectly using urinary exosomes. All of the γENaC in these exosomes was in the fully cleaved form, and its content increased by 4.5-fold with Na depletion. These results imply that stimulation of ENaC surface expression results at least in part from increased rates of formation of fully processed subunits in the Golgi and subsequent trafficking to the apical membrane.