The activity of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase can be regulated by hormones that activate adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Here, using a site-directed phosphorylation state-specific antibody, we show that hormonal regulation of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase can occur via phosphorylation of Ser-943 on its alpha-subunit. cDNAs coding for wild-type rat Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in which the PKA phosphorylation site Ser-943 was mutated to Ala were stably and transiently transfected into COS cells. In COS cells expressing wild-type Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (1 microM) significantly increased the level of phosphorylation of the alpha-subunit. Phosphorylation was accompanied by a significant inhibition of the enzyme activity, as reflected by a decrease in ATP hydrolysis and 86Rb+ transport. The effect of isoproterenol was reproduced by the PKA activator forskolin used in combination with the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine and was abolished by the specific PKA inhibitor H-89. Okadaic acid, an inhibitor of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A, enhanced phosphorylation and inhibition of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase induced by isoproterenol. The changes in activity of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase linearly correlated with the extent of the alpha-subunit of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase being phosphorylated. When Ser-943 was replaced by alanine, stimulation of the phosphorylation and inhibition of the activity of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase induced by isoproterenol, alone or in combination with okadaic acid, were not observed. These results indicate that, in intact cells, modulation of the activity of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase can be achieved by regulation of the state of phosphorylation of Ser-943. Moreover, they provide a biochemical mechanism by which beta-adrenergic agonists can regulate Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity.