Lack of relationship of potential difference to fluid absorption in the proximal renal tubule

Electroneutral NaCl absorption in the proximal tubule: mechanisms of apical Na-coupled transport

The proximal tubule utilizes multiple mechanisms to reabsorb filtered NaCl. In the early PCT electrogenic Na-coupled organic solute transport generates a lumen-negative PD which drives Cl- passively through the paracellular pathway. Preferential reabsorption of HCO3- and organic solutes in the early PCT elevates luminal Cl- concentration, which in the late PCT provides the driving force for passive reabsorption of both Na+ and Cl-. However, most of the NaCl reabsorbed in the PCT is mediated by an electroneutral mechanism in which equivalent amounts of Na+ and Cl- move transcellularly across apical and basolateral membranes. In the mammalian PCT the evidence overwhelmingly supports parallel Na+-H+ and Cl- -base exchangers as the mechanism by which Na+ and Cl- cross the apical membrane during electroneutral, transcellular NaCl reabsorption. OH-, HCO3-, formate and Ox- have all been suggested to be the anion exchanged for Cl-. An important physiologic contribution of formate has been shown in in vitro microperfusion studies [29]. Measurements of intracellular pH using fluorescent dyes [59, 60] support a quantitatively important role for formate and argue against a large contribution of OH- and HCO3-. The absence of a role for HCO3- is also supported by in vivo microperfusion studies using methoxazolamide [53]. The potential role of oxalate requires physiologic evaluation. To date, the experimental data suggest that Cl- -formate is probably the predominant anion exchange mechanism. One may ask why, in a process so critical as NaCl reabsorption, the tubule would choose to use a "toxin" rather than one of those ions more familiar to renal physiologists?(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of formate on volume reabsorption in the rabbit proximal tubule

Studies on microvillus membrane from rabbit kidney cortex suggest that chloride absorption may occur by chloride/formate exchange with recycling of formic acid by nonionic diffusion. We tested whether this transport mechanism participates in active NaCl reabsorption in the rabbit proximal tubule. In proximal tubule S2 segments perfused with low HCO-3 solutions, the addition of formate (0.25-0.5 mM) to the lumen and the bath increased volume reabsorption (JV) by 60%; the transepithelial potential difference remained unchanged. The effect of formate on JV was completely reversible and was inhibited both by ouabain and by luminal 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate. Formate (0.5 mM) failed to stimulate JV in early proximal convoluted tubules perfused with high HCO-3 solutions. As measured by miniature glass pH microelectrodes, this lack of formate effect on JV was related to a less extensive acidification of the tubule fluid when high HCO-3 solutions were used as perfusate. These data suggest that chloride/formate exchange with recycling of formic acid by nonionic diffusion represents a mechanism for active, electroneutral NaCl reabsorption in the proximal tubule.

The intracellular chloride activity of rat kidney proximal tubular cells

The intracellular Cl- activity was determined in rat kidney proximal tubular cells in vivo, using single-barreled Cl- sensitive microelectrodes filled with Corning no. 477913 liquid ion exchanger resin to measure VCl and using - in separate experiments - conventional KCl-filled microelectrodes to measure the membrane potential, Vm. After correction for interference from other anions on VCl the intracellular Cl- activity averaged 13.1 mmol X l-1 SD +/- 4.5 mmol X l-1 (n = 96). This value is approximately two-fold higher than the intracellular equilibrium activity which can be calculated from the extracellular Cl- activity of 90-103 mmol X l-1 and Vm of -71.2 mV, SD +/- 4.9 mV (n = 23) to amount to 6.3 to 6.7 mmol X l-1. Since both cell membranes are permeable for Cl- ions, as concluded from luminal and/or peritubular Cl- substitution experiments, we conclude that the cellular Cl- accumulation above equilibrium results from transcellular active Cl- transport, the detailed mechanism of which is presently not known. From the slow decline of intracellular Cl- concentration after substitution of luminal Cl- by gluconate, however, we deduce that transcellular Cl- absorption is of minor importance in surface tubules of rat kidney under free flow and that the major part of transtubular Cl- flux is passive and paracellular.

Functional profile of the isolated uremic nephron. Evidence of proximal tubular "memory" in experimental renal disease

In experimental models of glomerular and nonglomerular renal disease, single nephron filtration rate and proximal tubular reabsorption of fluid decrease or increase in parallel in the same nephron. To assess whether intrinsic adaptations in proximal tubular function, i.e., changes that are independent of the peritubular or humoral milieu, contribute to this phenomenon, segments of rabbit late superficial proximal convoluted tubules (PCT) were studied by in vitro perfusion. PCT were obtained from normal kidneys, from remnant kidneys, and from kidneys embolized with microspheres. Single nephron filtration rates are increased in the remnant and decreased in the embolized kidneys. Whereas the embolized-kidney rabbits were nonazotemic (the contralateral kidney was left in situ), the remnant-kidney animals were uremic. In order to study a nonazotemic model of increased single nephron filtration rate, PCT were also obtained from uninephrectomized rabbits. Significant compensatory hypertrophy occurred in the PCT of the remnant kidney. Net fluid reabsorption (Jv) per unit length was increased by approximately 60%; Jv per unit luminal surface area was the same as in the normal PCT. Transepithelial potential difference (PD) was significantly greater than normal. This was associated with a reversal of the normal permselective properties (P(Cl) > P(Na)) of the late superficial PCT so that P(Na) exceeded P(Cl). The changes could not be ascribed to some undetermined effect of the uremic state in vivo, since increases in tubule size, Jv per unit length, and PD also occurred in PCT from nonazotemic uninephrectomized rabbits. In contrast, Jv, per unit length or per unit luminal surface area, was decreased by approximately 50% in PCT from embolized kidneys and PD was also reduced. In these tubules, the normal permselective properties were also reversed. Tubule size, however, was not significantly different from normal. The increases or decreases in Jv that occurred in the different disease models were not dependent on tubular fluid flow rate or the uremic milieu in vitro. These studies indicate that intrinsic proximal tubular function is modified by the disease state in vivo and that the "memory" of this adaptation is expressed in the in vitro situation. The changes in Jv observed in vitro parallel the increases or decreases in single nephron filtration rates that occur in vivo. Compensatory hypertrophy, with an attendant increase in luminal surface area, could explain the increased Jv per millimeter in the remnant kidneys, but the adaptation observed in the embolized kidneys cannot be ascribed to changes in tubule size.

Water reabsorption capacity of the proximal convoluted tubule: a microperfusion study on rat kidney

1. The differences in the water reabsorption capacity observed from one proximal tubule to another were investigated in vivo by continuous microperfusion. 2. Two to seven loops were punctured along the same tubule. The [3H]inulin, 22Na, [14C]glucose, sodium, chloride and magnesium concentrations as well as the osmolality of the collected samples were studied as a function of the perfused length. 3. With Ringer bicarbonate solution perfused in Saclay Wistar rats, the water reabsorption capacity ranged from 0 to 3 nl . min-1 . mm-1 depending on the tubule. This reabsorption rate was closely correlated with the unidirectional reabsorption flux of sodium, and with the rise in tubular chloride and magnesium concentrations. 4. In Munich Wistar rats with glomeruli accessible at the kidney surface, tubule perfusion with a Ringer bicarbonate solution showed that the highest water reabsorption rates per mm of tubule were found for the perfusion sites closest to the glomerulus; water fluxes were also positively correlated with glucose transport. 5. In a second series of experiments on Saclay rats, perfusion of a Ringer solution containing a high chloride concentration (137 m-equiv/l.) was unable to increase the water reabsorption rate compared to the control perfusion; here again, water fluxes were positively correlated with glucose transport.

Chloride uptake by brush border membrane vesicles isolated from rabbit renal cortex. Coupling to proton gradients and K+ diffusion potentials

Brush border membrane vesicles were isolated from rabbit renal cortex by Mg(++)-precipitation and differential centrifugation. (36)Cl(-) and [(3)H]glucose uptakes were simultaneously determined by a rapid filtration technique. Lysis of the vesicles with distilled water abolished 90-95% of the radioactivity on the filters, suggesting that nearly all of the (36)Cl(-) and [(3)H]glucose counts represented uptake into an osmotically reactive intravesicular space. Inwardly directed K(+) gradients plus valinomycin stimulated (36)Cl(-) uptake, demonstrating a conductive pathway for chloride uptake into brush-border membrane vesicles. (36)Cl(-) uptake could also be stimulated by inwardly directed proton gradients (pH(outside) < pH(inside)). This effect was seen in the absence of sodium, as well as in the presence of valinomycin when the vesicles had equal K(+) concentrations inside and out. An "overshoot" phenomenon was observed when external (36)Cl(-) was 2 mM and the external pH was lowered from 7.5 to 6.0 or to 4.5. The effect of the proton gradient was presumed to be different from the conductive mechanism because (a) the stimulation of (36)Cl(-) uptake by inwardly directed K(+) diffusion potentials was additive to the proton gradient effect, and (b) competition studies revealed statistically significant effects of thiocyanate on the conductive pathway, but not on the proton-driven pathway.HCl cotransport or anion exchange are electrically neutral mechanisms which could couple (36)Cl(-) uptake to inwardly-directed proton gradients in a brush border membrane vesicle. If both electrically neutral and conductive path ways for chloride transport are present in the luminal membrane of the proximal tubule, then the mechanism as well as the direction of net chloride transport will be influenced by the nature of the accompanying cation transport process.

Renal metabolic rate during changes in bicarbonate-dependent sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubules

Previous studies indicate that water and at least 2 mol NaCl are reabsorbed in the proximal tubules for each mol NaHCO3 reabsorbed. To examine the effect on cortical energy metabolism of variations in this bicarbonate-dependent sodium reabsorption, the cortical metabolic rate was examined in anaesthetized dogs by the heat production technique during continuous infusion of saline and ethacrynic acid. Sodium reabsorption was altered either by intravenous infusion of a large dose of acetazolamide (500 mg/kg body wt) or by changing plasma Pco2 during metabolic alkalosis. Acetazolamide reduced bicarbonate reabsorption by 71 +/- 2%, sodium reabsorption by 54 +/- 2% and cortical heat production by 21 +/- 3%. A rise in Pco2 to 16.4 +/- 1.3 kPa during metabolic alkalosis increased sodium reabsorption by 25 +/- 3% and cortical heat production by 14 +/- 2%. A similar elevation of plasma Pco2 during metabolic acidosis had no effect on electrolyte reabsorption or the cortical metabolic rate. A reduction in Pco2 to 2.3 +/- 0.3 kPa reduced sodium reabsorption by 40 +/- 3% and cortical heat production by 19 +/- 2%. We conclude that a rise in proximal tubular reabsorption requires energy. However, the changes in energy requirement are small, accounting for previous failures to observe significant changes in cortical energy metabolism during less extensive changes of sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubules.

Functional profile of the isolated uremic nephron. Role of compensatory hypertrophy in the control of fluid reabsorption by the proximal straight tubule

An in vitro approach to the study of single nephron function in uremia has been employed in evaluating the control of fluid reabsorption by the renal superficial proximal straight tubule (PST). Isolated segments of PSTs from the remnant kidneys of uremic rabbits (stage III) were perfused in vitro and their rate of fluid reabsorption compared with normal PSTs and with PSTs derived from the remnant kidneys of nonuremic rabbits (stage II). All segments were exposed to a peritubular bathing medium of both normal and uremic rabbit serum thereby permitting a differentiation to be made between adaptations in function which are intrinsic to the tubular epithelium and those which are dependent upon a uremic milieu.Compared with normal and stage II PSTs, there was significant hypertrophy of the stage III tubules as evidenced by an increase in length and internal diameter, and a twofold increase in the dry weight per unit length. Fluid reabsorption per unit length of tubule was 70% greater in stage III than in normal and stage II PSTs, and was closely correlated with the increase in dry weight. Substitutions between normal and uremic rabbit serum in the peritubular bathing medium did not affect fluid reabsorption significantly in any of the three groups of PSTs. Perfusion of the tubules with an ultrafiltrate of normal vs. uremic serum likewise failed to influence the rate of net fluid reabsorption. It has previously been observed that net fluid secretion may occur in nonperfused or stop-flow perfused normal rabbit PSTs exposed to human uremic serum. Additional studies were thus performed on normal and stage III PSTs to evaluate whether net secretion occurs in the presence of rabbit uremic serum. No evidence for net secretion was found. These studies demonstrate that fluid reabsorption is greatly increased in the superficial PST of the uremic remnant kidney and that this functional adaptation is closely correlated with compensatory hypertrophy of the segment. Humoral factors in the peritubular environment do not appear to be important mediators of the enhanced fluid reabsorption.

Effects of phlorizin on glucose, water and sodium handling by the rat kidney

1. The effect of phlorizin on glucose, water and sodium handling by the kidney in anaesthetized rats was investigated, using clearance techniques, during infusion of saline (200 microliter min-1) or saline to which either low (0.1 mumole kg body weight-1 ml.-1) doses of phlorizin had been added. 2. Phlorizin increased the absolute and fractional excretion of glucose, urine osmolality and negative free water clearance; and reduced urine flow rate, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), absolute and fractional excretion of sodium, absolute excretion of sodium, absolute excretion of potassium and absolute and fractional rates of glucose reabsorption. 3. The data indicate that phlorizin has sites of action and effects additional to those on glucose transport in the proximal tubule. 4. Within each series there was a positive correlation between sodium and glucose reabsorption; but the rate of glucose reabsorption was different between each series even though the sodium reabsorption was not. 5. It is suggested that since both sodium and glucose reabsorption correlate with GFR, they may be related via GFR. 6. The data indicate that for the whole kidney any effect of glucose on sodium transport is small relative to total renal handling of sodium.

Effects of glucose on water and sodium reabsorption in the proximal convoluted tubule of rat kidney

1. The effects of glucose on sodium and water reabsorption by rat renal proximal tubules was investigated by in situ microperfusion of segments of proximal tubules with solutions containing glucose or no glucose, with and without phlorizin. 2. Absence of glucose did not significantly alter net water flux. Sodium flux was reduced by about 10% but this was not statistically significant. 3. In the absence of glucose in the perfusion fluid net secretion of glucose occurred. 4. Phlorizin reduced either net reabsorption or net secretion of glucose; and net water flux. 5. The data suggest that in later parts of the proximal convoluted tubule some sodium may be co-transported with glucose, but that this represents only a small fraction of the total sodium reabsorption. 6. It is suggested that the glucose carrier is reversible and in appropriate circumstances could cause glucose secretion. 7. Although phlorizin alters net water flux the underlying mechanisms are not clear. 8. The calculated osmolality of the reabsorbate was significantly greater than the perfusate osmolality and greater than plasma osmolality although this was not quite significant statistically.

Sodium metabolism

This brief review attempts to summarize important basic concepts of sodium metabolism including sodium ion distribution, sodium balance and the renal regulation of sodium excretion. Finally, an attempt has been made to relate these basic concepts to the mechanisms and management of common clinical situations of abnormal salt balance.

Trans-proximal tubular steady-state concentration differences studied by micro-puncture and tissue content of sodium and chloride at varying intraluminal sodium concentrations in vitro in rat kidney cortex slices: evidence for a multisite sodium transport system

1. With the aid of micropuncture techniques, proximal tubular transepithelial concentration differences for Na (deltaC Na) and chloride (deltaC Cl) were measured in kidney cortex slices at bathing fluid Na concentrations from 10 to 400 m-mole. kg-1. Tissue content of water, Na and K was also measured in such slices. Under steady-state conditions of zero net flux of NaCl and water, deltaC Na represents the sum of active Na transport, factored by the tubular permeability coefficient added to a component of flux due to electrical forces. 2. The relation between bathing fluid Na concentraton and deltaC Na appeared sigmoid in form suggesting an allosteric mechanism for the transport step. 3. Transtubular potential difference, calculated from transepithelial Cl distribution ratios, did not appear constant at the various bathing fluid Na concentrations. Correcting for the effect of these potential differences on the value of each deltaC Na did not convert the sigmoid transport curve to a hyperbolic one, confirming the suggested allosteric nature of the active Na transport step. 4. Intracellular Na content varied linearly with bathing fluid Na concentrations implying free entry of this cation into the cell. This also suggests that the sigmoid transport curve is related to the properties of the active Na transport pump.

Studies on the pathophysiology of acute renal failure. II. A histochemical study of the proximal tubule of the rat following administration of mercuric chloride

Acute renal failure was induced in male rats by the subcutaneous injectioon of 4 mg HgC12 per kg body weight. Enzyme activities of the proximal tubule were studied histochemically at six time intervals from 15 min to 24 h. The enzyme studied were alkaline phosphatase, 5'-nucleotidase, acid phosphatase, alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (NAD-independent), malic dehydrogenase, succinic dehydrogenase, latic dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphatase. Decreases in activity were observed for alkaline phosphatase and 5'-nucleotidase after 15 min. Acid phosphatase was decreased after 30 min. These three enzymes returned to control levels after 3 h, but malic dehydrogenase and alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase were decreased at this time interval. Succinic dehydrogenase was first decreased after 6 h. The earliest morphological changes detectable by light microscopy were observed in pars recta tubules in the medullary rays after 6 h, a time when all enzymes studied showed widespread decreased activity throughout the proximal tubule. After 24 h, the pars convoluta appeared morphologically normal but the pars recta was necrotic and exhibited calcification, whereas enzyme activity was decreased (absent in some cases) in both pars convoluta and pars recta. These results support the hypothesis that Hg++, when given in a sublethal dose, is associated with early histochemical changes in the brush border of the proximal tubule, which may be related to early changes in sodium reabsorption and to the subsequent development of acute renal failure. The observation that changes in plasma membrane-associated enzymes occur early and prior to alterations in enzymes of mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum suggests that Hg++ interacts initially with the plasma membrane.

Mechanism of NaCl and water reabsorption in the proximal convoluted tubule of rat kidney

The role of chloride concentration gradients in proximal NaCl and water reabsorption was examined in superficial proximal tubules of the rat by using perfusion and collection techniques. Reabsorptive rates (Jv), chloride concentrations, and transtubular potential difference were measured during perfusion with solutions (A) simulating an ultrafiltrate of plasma; (B) similar to (A) except that 20 meq/liter bicarbonate was replaced with acetate; (C) resembling late proximal fluid (glucose, amino acid, acetate-free, low bicarbonate, and high chloride); and (D) in which glucose and amino acids were replaced with raffinose and bicarbonate was partially replaced by poorly reabsorbable anions (cyclamate,sulfate, and methyl sulfate). In tubules perfused with solutions A and B, Jv were 2.17 and 2.7 nl mm-1 min-1 and chloride concentrations were 131.5 +/- 3.1 and 135 +/- 395 meq/liter, respectively, indicating that reabsorption is qualitatively similar to free-flow conditions and that acetate adequately replaces bicarbonate. With solution C, Jv was 2.10 nl mm-1 min-1 and potential difference was +1.5 +/- 0.2 mV, indicating that the combined presence of glucose, alanine, acetate, and bicarbonate per se is not an absolute requirement. Fluid reabsorption was virtually abolished when tubules were perfused with D solutions; Jv was not significantly different from zero despite sodium and chloride concentrations similar to plasma; chloride concentration was 110.8 +/- 0.2 meq/liter and potential difference was -0.98 mV indicating that chloride was close to electrochemical equilibrium. These results suggest the importance of the chloride gradient to proximal tubule reabsorption in regions where actively reabsorbable solutes (glucose, alanine, acetate, and bicarbonate) are lacking and provide further evidence for a passive model of NaCl and water transport.

Influence of bicarbonate on parathyroid hormone-induced changes in fluid absorption by the proximal tubule

Segments of the proximal tubule of the rabbit kidney were perfused in vitro in order to examine the influence of bicarbonate on the reduction in fluid absorption that occurs following the acute administration of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Studies were performed using either normal ultrafiltrate as perfusion fluid and normal rabbit serum as bath or low bicarbonate ultrafiltrate as perfusion fluid and low bicarbonate rabbit serum as bath. Low bicarbonate fluids were prepared by replacement of bicarbonate with chloride. In the presence of normal concentrations of bicarbonate, the addition of PTH to the bath (1 U/ml) resulted in a decrease in the fluid absorption rate (Jv) from 1.13 +/- 0.08 to 0.60 +/- 0.04 nl/mm X min (p is less than 0.001) in 23 convoluted segments and from 0.64 +/- 0.05 to 0.46 +/- 0.05 nl/mm - mm (P less than 0.01) in ten straight portions. Simultaneous with the PTH-induced reduction in Jv, the chloride concentration in the collected fluid changed from 119.0 +/- 2.0 to 113.4 +/- 1.1 mEq/liter (P less than 0.01) in the pars convoluta and from 117.7 +/- 0.6 to 114.0 +/- 1.9 mEq/liter (P less than 0.01) in the pars recta. However, there was no change in the net flux of chloride which averaged 42.58 +/- 5.00 pEq/mm - min during the control periods. Additional studies were performed in eight convoluted segments during perfusion on a randomized basis with low bicarbonate fluids as well as during perfusion with fluids having normal levels of bicarbonate. As before, in the presence of normal levels of bicarbonate, PTH reduced Jv from 1.16 +/- 0.15 to 0.68 +/- 0.07 nl/mm - min (P less than 0.001) and the chloride concentration in the collected fluid ([Cl]o) from 118.6 +/- 2.9 to 111.6 +/- 1.3 mEq/liter (P less than 0.005). Substitution of low bicarbonate fluids for normal bicarbonate fluids resulted in a decrease in Jv from 1.16 +/- 0.15 to 0.74 +/- 0.10 nl/mm - min (P less than 0.001). In the presence of low bicarbonate fluids, the addition of PTH resulted in no further decrease in Jv (0.74 +/- 0.10 vs. 0.72 +/- 0.10 nl/mm - min). These data indicate that in the proximal tubule the PTH-induced reduction in fluid absorption may be mediated by changes in bicarbonate absorption.

Effect of acetazolamide on glomerular balance and renal metabolic rate

Glomerulotubular balance, defined as proportionality between filtered and reabsorbed sodium during inhibition of sodium reabsorption in the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (diluting segment), was examined in anaesthetized dogs by gradual reduction of renal arterial pressure. In control experiments, glomerulotubular balance applied over the whole rante of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) examined but was absent after acetazolamide administration (30 mg/kg/body wt) at GFR above 50% of control. Hence, the inhibitory effect of acetazolamide varied with GFR. At control GFR, acetazolamide reduced tubular sodium reabsorption by 32 +/- 2% chloride reabsorption by 34 +/- 3%, and bicarbonate reabsorption by 52 +/- 2%; no significant effect was observed at GFR below 50% of control. For each bicarbonate ion, three sodium ions and two chloride ions were inhibited. Measurements of renal oxygen consumption and heat accumulation rates showed that acetazolamide did not reduce renal metabolic rate significantly. It is proposed that energy-requiring hydrogen ion secretion occurs at unchanges rate during variations in GFR but that back leakage of hydrogen ions varies with bicarbonate concentration in tubular fluid. Net secretion of hydrogen ions is associated with bicarbonate transport into the intercellular space and is linked with sodium reabsorption. The concentration difference of bicarbonate salts over the tight junction (zonula occludens), which is much less permeable to bicarbonate than to sodium chloride, provides the osmotic force for reabsorption of water and sodium chloride from the tubular lumen into the intercellular space. Glomerulotubular balance is mediated by variations in filtered amounts of bicarbonate.

Role of monovalent ions in the reabsorption of fluid by isolated perfused proximal renal tubules of the rabbit

Proximal convoluted tubules were dissected from rabbit kidneys and perfused in vitro in order to determine the effect of monovalent ions on fluid absorption and transepithelial voltage. Replacement of sodium in the perfusate and bath by lithium, tetramethyl ammonium or choline caused the rate of fluid absorption and voltage to fall to near zero. Replacement of potassium in the bath by sodium had the identical effect. Replacement of chloride by nitrate or perchlorate had comparatively little effect. The results are consistent with the generally held view that active sodium transport (mediated by a Na- and K- activated adenosine triphosphatase) is the primary process responsible for the absorption of the fluid and the voltage. Replacement of bicarbonate in the perfusate and bath by chloride caused the rate of fluid absorption to decrease by 33%. The possible relation between sodium transport and bicarbonate is discussed.

Anion transport processes in the mammalian superficial proximal straight tubule

The experiments reported in this paper were designed to evaluate some of the characteristics of anion transport processes during fluid absorption from superficial proximal straight tubules isolated from rabbit kidney. We measured net chemical C1- flux during fluid absorption from tubules perfused and bathed with Krebs-Ringer buffers containing 113.6 mM C1-, 10 mM acetate, and 25 mM HCO-/3 at pH 7.4; assessed the effects of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors on net fluid absorption in the presence and absence of CO2; and evaluated the influx and efflux coefficients for [14C]-acetate transport at 37degreesC, at 21degreesC, and in the presence of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. The experimental data shown that, for this nephron segment, net C1- flux accompanies approximately 27.5% of net Na+ absorption; and net C1- absorption may be accounted for by a passive transport process, primarily diffusional in nature. Fluid absorption in this nephron segment is reduced 40-60% by carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, but only when the tubules are exposed to 95% O2-5% CO2 rather than 100% O2. Thus, it seems probably that approximately half of Na+ absorption in these tubules may be rationalized in terms of a carbonic anhydrase-dependent CO2 hydration process. In addition, there may occur in these isolated proximal tubules an acetazolamide-insensitive moiety of HCO-/3 absorption comparable to that observed for proximal tubules in vivo. Finally, we provide evidence that net efflux of luminal acetate is due to metabolic energy-dependent processes other than CO2 hydration and may, under appropriate conditions, account for approximately one-fourth of net Na+ absorption.

Proximal bicarbonate reabsorption during Ringer and albumin infusions in the rat

Several studies have clearly shown that extracellular volume expansion is associated with suppression of whole kidney bicarbonate reabsorption, although little is known concerning the single nephron correlates of this response. More recently, attention has also been focussed on bicarbonate transport in attempts to identify a possible role for this ion in enhancing the rate of net fluid efflux by proximal tubules. To further explore proximal tubular bicarbonate handling in the rat, we carried out recollection micropuncture studies to assess the effects of infusions of modified Ringer or salt-poor hyperoncotic human albumin. With stable levels of arterial PCO2, plasma [HCO3-] or plasma [K+], marked suppression of fractional HCO3- reabsorption occurred: during Ringer infusion fractional reabsorption fell by 31% (P less than 0.001) while during albumin infusion a decrease of 20% (P less than 0.001) was observed. Despite this, absolute net HCO3- reabsorptive rates did not change significantly. Simple and partial correlation analysis of single tubular responses revealed strong linkage effects between changes in absolute net reabsorptive rates for HCO3- and H2O in both types of infusion; the partial r was 0.91 (P less than 0.001) and 0.94 (P less than 0.001) during Ringer and albumin infusions, respectively. We conclude that under these free-flow conditions, Ringer and albumin infusions do not suppress absolute net HCO3- reabsorption by proximal tubules, and that strongly linked changes in absolute HCO3- and H2O fluxes are characteristic of both protocols.