The role of H(+)-K(+)-adenosinetriphosphatase (H(+)-K(+)-ATPase) in the cortical collecting duct (CCD) B-type intercalated cell (B cell) is unclear. This study examined whether H(+)-K(+)-ATPase contributes to B cell intracellular pH (pHi) regulation and, if so, whether it is present at the apical or basolateral membrane. B cell Na(+)-independent pHi recovery from an acid load was only partially inhibited by peritubular N-ethylmaleimide (NEM). Complete inhibition required combining peritubular NEM either with luminal Sch-28080 or with luminal K+ removal. In contrast, neither peritubular Sch-28080 nor peritubular K+ removal altered pHi regulation. Tomato lectin, which binds to the gastric H(+)-K(+)-ATPase beta-subunit, labeled the B cell apical membrane. We conclude that the rabbit CCD B cell possesses an apical H(+)-K(+)-ATPase that plays an important role in pHi recovery from an in vitro acid load.