Non-genomic effects of aldosterone on intracellular ion regulation and cell volume in rat ventricular myocytes

Aldosterone has non-genomic effects that express within minutes and modulate intracellular ion milieu and cellular function. However, it is still undefined whether aldosterone actually alters intracellular ion concentrations or cellular contractility. To clarify the non-genomic effects of aldosterone, we measured [Na+](i), Ca2+ transient (CaT), and cell volume in dye-loaded rat ventricular myocytes, and we also evaluated myocardial contractility. We found the following: (i) aldosterone increased [Na+](i) at the concentrations of 100 nmol/L to 10 mu mol/L; (ii) aldosterone (up to 10 mu mol/L) did not alter CaT and cell shortening in isolated myocytes, developed tension in papillary muscles, or left ventricular developed pressure in Langendorff-perfused hearts; (iii) aldosterone (100 nmol/L) increased the cell volume from 47.5 +/- 3.6 pL to 49.8 +/- 3.7 pL (n = 8, p < 0.05); (N) both the increases in [Na+](i) and cell volume were blocked by a Na+-K+-2Cl(-) co-transporter (NKCCl) inhibitor, bumetanide, or by a Na+/H+ exchange (NHE) inhibitor, 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl) amiloride; and (v) spironolactone by itself increased in [Na+](i) and cell volume. In conclusion, aldosterone rapidly increased [Na+](i) and cell volume via NKCCl and NHE, whereas there were no changes in CaT or myocardial contractility. Hence the non-genomic effects of aldosterone may be related to cell swelling rather than the increase in contractility.