Modification of carboxyl of Na+ channel inhibits aldosterone action on Na+ transport.

We investigated the effect of the carboxyl-selective reagent N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ) on aldosterone stimulation of Na+ transport in the urinary bladder of the toad. Na+ transport, measured as the short-circuit current (SCC), was irreversibly inhibited by EEDQ in a dose- and time-dependent manner prior to addition of aldosterone. The greater the percentage inhibition by EEDQ (X), the smaller was the maximal increase of SCC after aldosterone (Y). This relationship gave the regression equation Y = 128.41 - 1.73X, r = -0.99 (n = 35). Evidence that the inhibition of SCC produced by EEDQ was limited to effects at the mucosal membrane was attested by the following: 1) EEDQ did not alter the stimulation by aldosterone of the osmotic water flow response to antidiuretic hormone; 2) whereas inhibition of protein synthesis by cycloheximide prevented this effect of aldosterone; 3) amphotericin B fully restored SCC previously inhibited by EEDQ to the level produced in tissues not inhibited by EEDQ; 4) comparison of the effects of amiloride vs. EEDQ pretreatment on the SCC response to aldosterone and amphotericin B revealed nearly identical characteristics; 5) in contrast, amphotericin B stimulation of SCC was limited when Na+ transport was limited by antimycin A (an inhibitor of energy production) or by ouabain. The findings fail to provide positive evidence for the hypothesis that aldosterone induces the synthesis of new Na+ channels but are consistent with hormonal activation of previously existing but nonfunctioning Na+ channels.