Hydraulic water permeability and transepithelial voltage in the isolated perfused rabbit cortical collecting tubule following acute unilateral ureteral obstruction.

Ureteral obstruction affects the kidney's ability to conserve water and sodium. Using the isolated perfused tubule technique, we studied cortical collecting tubules (CCT) taken from rabbits subjected to a sham operation or to 4 h of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Tubules were perfused in the presence of an osmotic gradient directed to promote water movement from lumen to bath, and volume flux (Jv), hydraulic water permeability (Lp), and transepithelial voltage (V1) were determined. In tubules from sham-operated and UUO animals, basal (before exposure to vasopressin) J, and Lp were not different from zero. After addition of 200 microU . ml-1 of arginine vasopressin (aVP) to the bath, Jv and Lp increased to 1.64 +/- 0.23 nl . mm-1 . min-1 and 127.9 +/- 19.8 cm . s-1 . atm-1 x 10(7), respectively, in tubules from sham-operated animals, but not only 0.27 +/- 0.09 nl . mm-1 . min-1 an 18.8 +/- 6.2 cm . s-1 . atm-1 . 10(7) in tubules from UUO animals. Pretreatment with desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) or indomethacin in vivo did not prevent the blunted vasopressin response seen in tubules taken from UUO animals. The Jv and Lp responses to the cyclic AMP (cAMP) analogue, 8-Br-cAMP, were also diminished in tubules taken from UUO animals compared with shams. V1, measured during the basal period, was diminished in tubules from UUO kidneys (-5.0 +/- 2.1 mV) compared with shams (-21.9 +/- 4.1 mV), and pretreatment with DOCA did no prevent the effects of UUO on V1. In contrast, tubules taken from animals that received indomethacin prior to UUO developed voltages not different from voltages in tubules taken from sham-operated animals (-17.3 +/- 1.7 mV). We conclude that, although CCT from UUO animals can maintain osmotic gradients, their ability to respond to vasopressin by increasing Lp is impaired by an intrinsic defect located at a step beyond the generation of cAMP, and that prostaglandin inhibition or DOCA pretreatment do not reverse the decreased responsiveness of Lp to aVP. UUO also diminished V1, and this abnormality was prevented by previous treatment with indomethacin, suggesting that prostaglandins may mediate the effect of UUO on V1.     

Evidence for neutral transcellular NaCl transport and neutral basolateral chloride exit in the rabbit proximal convoluted tubule.

The electrical nature of active NaCl transport and the significance of a basolateral membrane chloride conductance were examined in isolated perfused rabbit proximal convoluted tubules (PCT). PCT were perfused with a high chloride solution that simulated late proximal tubular fluid and were bathed in an albumin solution that simulated rabbit serum in the control and recovery periods. The electrical nature of NaCl transport was examined by bathing the tubules in a high chloride albumin solution where there were no anion gradients. Volume reabsorption (Jv) during the control and recovery period was 0.56 and 0.51 nl/mm X min, respectively, and 0.45 nl/mm X min when the tubules were bathed in a high chloride bath. The transepithelial potential difference (PD) during the control and recovery periods averaged 2.3 mV, but decreased to 0.0 mV in the absence of anion gradients, which indicated that NaCl transport is electroneutral. Further evidence that NaCl transport is electroneutral was obtained by examining the effect of addition of 0.01 mM ouabain in PCT perfused and bathed with high chloride solutions. The Jv was 0.54 nl/mm X min in the control period and not statistically different from zero after inhibition of active transport. The PD was not different from zero in both periods. Two groups of studies examined the role of basolateral membrane Cl- conductance in NaCl transport. First, depolarizing the basolateral membrane with 2 mM bath Ba++ did not significantly affect Jv or PD. Second, the effect of the presumptive Cl- conductance inhibitor anthracene-9-CO2H was examined. Anthracene-9-CO2H did not significantly affect Jv or PD. In conclusion, these data show that NaCl transport in the PCT is electroneutral and transcellular and provide evidence against a significant role for basolateral membrane chloride conductance in the rabbit PCT.     

Proximal Tubule Potential Difference. DEPENDENCE ON GLUCOSE, HCO3, AND AMINO ACIDS

The effect of various intraluminal substrates on the magnitude of the transepithelial potential difference (PD) across the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) of the mammalian kidney was investigated in two ways. First, the transepithelial PD was measured before and after the removal of glucose, bicarbonate, and alanine from the lumen. Second, the effects of specific transport inhibitors-ouabain, phloridzin, and acetazolamide-was ascertained when placed either on luminal or blood side.Isolated segments of rabbit PCT were perfused in vitro. Tubules perfused with isosmolar ultrafiltrate (UF) at rates > 10 nl/min had a mean PD of - 5.8+/-0.2 mV (lumen negative). Normal UF was simulated by an artificial perfusion solution. Using the latter, observed PD was - 5.4+/-0.2 mV. A significant reversible decrease in PD was noted when the following constituents were removed singly: glucose (from - 5.7+/-0.4 to - 3.5+/-0.4 mV); alanine (from - 5.8+/-0.4 to - 4.7+/-0.3 mV); and bicarbonate (from - 5.3+/-0.3 to - 3.3+/-0.5 mV). The combined removal of alanine and glucose (replaced with mannitol) reduced the transepithelial PD to - 0.5+/-0.1 mV with removal of glucose and alanine (replaced with mannitol) and decrease of NaHCO(3) to 5.6 meq/liter (replaced with NaCl), as normally occurs in early part of in vivo PCT, resulted in reversible change of PD from - 5.1+/-0.2 to + 3.2+/-0.2 mV. Ouabain (10(-5) M) reversibly decreased the negative control PD from blood side, but had no effect from luminal side. Phloridzin (10(-5) M) reversibly decreased PD from - 6.4+/-0.3 to - 3.7+/-0.4 mV when placed on luminal side but had minimal effect from blood side, - 6.3+/-0.4 to - 5.8+/-0.4 mV. Acetazolamide (Diamox) was without effect from either side. Reversal of bulk flow of water by addition of 31 mosmol/liter raffinose to perfusion ultrafiltrate did not significantly decrease the PD.It is concluded that specific pumps for transport of glucose, amino acids, and bicarbonate exist on the luminal surface. All three constituents are necessary for expression of maximum PD. Removal of these substrates by transport changes PD from - 5.1 mV to + 3.2 mV (lumen positive). This 3.2 mV positive PD is secondary to a chloride diffusion potential and is not effected by ouabain from the blood side.     

Luminal chloride modulates rat distal tubule bidirectional bicarbonate flux in vivo.

The effects of replacing luminal chloride with gluconate on distal tubule bicarbonate transport were studied in vivo in normally fed rats, overnight-fasted rats, and rats made mildly alkalotic by administration of desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA). In paired microperfusions of the same tubule with 0 or 55 mM Cl at 25 nl/min, net secretion of bicarbonate by distal tubules of fed rats was inhibited by chloride replacement. Zero chloride perfusion in DOCA rats also resulted in an inhibition of net bicarbonate secretion at 25 nl/min. In contrast, replacement of 45 mM chloride also perfused at 25 nl/min in fasted rats caused an increase in net bicarbonate reabsorption. To further characterize the effects of changes in luminal chloride, experiments were undertaken in fasted rats with 0, 45, and 100 mM chloride-containing solutions perfused at 8 and 25 nl/min. Perfusion with zero Cl resulted in net bicarbonate reabsorption at 8 nl/min that increased markedly with high flow, whereas bicarbonate reabsorption did not change significantly during perfusion at high flow with a 45-mM Cl perfusate. In marked contrast, perfusion with a 100-mM Cl solution resulted in only minimal bicarbonate reabsorption at 8 nl/min with significant secretion observed at high flow. Thus, chloride-free perfusates inhibit bicarbonate secretion and enhance bicarbonate reabsorption, while high chloride perfusates elicit net bicarbonate secretion in usually reabsorbing distal tubules.     

Bicarbonate secretion in vivo by rat distal tubules during alkalosis induced by dietary chloride restriction and alkali loading.

To examine in vivo the separate effects on distal tubule JtCO2, of dietary chloride restriction, bicarbonate loading, and changes in luminal chloride concentration, we microperfused distal tubules at a physiologic flow rate (8 nl/min) with solutions containing either 45 or 0 mM chloride (after gluconate substitution). Rats were fed a diet containing zero, minimal, or normal amounts of chloride, while drinking either water or a solution of 0.15 M sodium bicarbonate. Neither extracellular fluid volume contraction nor negative chloride balance ensued. Analysis of covariance with repeated measures demonstrated that dietary chloride, drinking sodium bicarbonate, and perfusion with either 45 mM or zero chloride, each have separate and significant modulating effects on distal tubule bicarbonate secretion. During mild alkalemia, there is modest bicarbonate secretion which is significantly different from zero (-9.9 +/- 3.2 pmol.min-1.mm-1, P less than 0.01), and which is suppressed after perfusion with zero chloride. In contrast, during more pronounced metabolic alkalosis after supplemental bicarbonate drinking, the bicarbonate secretory flux is brisk (-26 +/- 3 pmol.min-1.mm-1) and significantly different from zero and persists (-11 +/- 3 pmol.min-1.mm-1) even during perfusion with zero luminal chloride. Accordingly, in this two-day model of alkalosis induced by dietary chloride restriction, there is regulatory secretion of bicarbonate by distal tubules in vivo which is modulated by luminal chloride concentration.     

Distal tubule bicarbonate reabsorption in NH4Cl acidotic rats

NH4Cl acidosis--a common experimental model of hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis--elicits complex intrarenal responses whereby the fall in plasma bicarbonate concentration can be restored to normal after the initial acid load. Using the technique of in vivo micropuncture of surface distal tubules of the rat kidney, we attempted to further define controlling mechanisms underlying the enhanced bicarbonate reabsorption in this setting. Specifically, we wished to determine the dependence of distal tubule bicarbonate reabsorption (JtCO2) on sodium transport, water reabsorption, and carbonic anhydrase activity. Surface distal tubules of Sprague-Dawley rats made acidotic by ammonium chloride gavage (arterial blood pH: 7.15 +/- 0.01, [HCO3]: 14.8 +/- 0.5 mM) were perfused in vivo at 8 and 24 nL/min with 4 different isoosmotic, 25 mM bicarbonate solutions: Group 1 was perfused with 60 mM Na, Group 2 with 60 mM choline, Group 3 with 60 mM choline + 3 x 10(-4) M amiloride, and Group 4 with 60 mM Na + 10(-3) M acetazolamide. At 8 nL/min, significant bicarbonate reabsorption occurred with all perfusates. JtCO2 was 65 +/- 4, 59 +/- 5, 58 +/- 6, and 40 +/- 4 pmol.min-1.mm-1, in Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. However, JtCO2 in Group 4 was significantly less than that in Groups 1 and 2 (p less than 0.01 and p less than 0.05, respectively). Amiloride added to the low sodium perfusate did not reduce bicarbonate reabsorption. We conclude that bicarbonate reabsorption in distal tubules of acidotic rats is acetazolamide-sensitive and is not significantly sustained by sodium or water movements.     

Endogenous production of angiotensin II modulates rat proximal tubule transport.

There is evidence that angiotensin II is synthesized by the proximal tubule and secreted into the tubular lumen. This study examined the functional significance of endogenously produced angiotensin II on proximal tubule transport in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Addition of 10(-11), 10(-8), and 10(-6) M angiotensin II to the lumen of proximal convoluted tubules perfused in vivo had no effect on the rate of fluid reabsorption. The absence of an effect of exogenous luminal angiotensin II could be due to its endogenous production and luminal secretion. Luminal 10(-8) M Dup 753 (an angiotensin II receptor antagonist) resulted in a 35% decrease in proximal tubule fluid reabsorption when compared to control (Jv = 1.64 +/- 0.12 nl/mm.min vs. 2.55 +/- 0.32 nl/mm.min, P < 0.05). Similarly, luminal 10(-4) M enalaprilat, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, decreased fluid reabsorption by 40% (Jv = 1.53 +/- 0.23 nl/mm.min vs. 2.55 +/- 0.32 nl/mm.min, P < 0.05). When 10(-11) or 10(-8) M exogenous angiotensin II was added to enalaprilat (10(-4) M) in the luminal perfusate, fluid reabsorption returned to its baseline rate (Jv = 2.78 +/- 0.35 nl/mm.min). Thus, addition of exogenous angiotensin II stimulates proximal tubule transport when endogenous production is inhibited. These experiments show that endogenously produced angiotensin II modulates fluid transport in the proximal tubule independent of systemic angiotensin II.     

Influence of peritubular protein on solute absorption in the rabbit proximal tubule. A specific effect on NaCl transport.

The effect of removal of peritubular protein on the reabsorption of various solutes and water was examined in isolated rabbit proximal convoluted tubules (PCT) perfused in vitro. In 22 PCT perfused with ultrafiltrate (UF) and bathed in serum, volume absorption (Jv) was 1.44 nl/mm per min and potential difference (PD) was -3.6 mV. When these same PCT were bathed in a protein-free UF, Jv was reduced 38% without a change in PD. Simultaneous measurements of total CO2 net flux (JTCO2) and glucose efflux (JG) showed that less than 2% of the decrease in JV could be accounted for by a reduction in JTCO2 and JG, suggesting that removal of peritubular protein inhibited sodium chloride transport (JNaCl). Therefore, in eight additional PCT, JNaCl was measured, in addition to PD, Jv, JG, and JTCO2. In these PCT, the decrease in total solute transport induced by removal of bath protein was 201.7 +/- 37.5 posmol/mm per min. JG decreased slightly (9.1 +/- 3.9 posmol/mm per min); NaHCO3 transport did not change (9.2 +/- 6.6 posmol/mm per min); but JNaCl decreased markedly (160.6 +/- 35.7 posmol/mm per min). 80% of the decrease in Jv could be accounted for by a decrease in JNaCl. In 13 additional PCT perfused with simple NaCl solutions, a comparable decrease in Jv and JNaCl was observed when peritubular protein was removed without an increase in TCO2 backleak. In summary, removal of peritubular protein reduced Jv and JNacl, but did not significantly alter PD, JG, JTCO2, or TCO2 backleak. The failure to inhibit JG and JTCO2, known sodium-coupled transport processes, indicates that protein removal does not primarily affect the Na-K ATPase pump system. Furthermore, since PD and TCO2 backleak were not influenced, it is unlikely that protein removal increased the permeability of the paracellular pathway. We conclude that protein removal specifically inhibits active transcellular or passive paracellular NaCl transport.     

Effect of acidosis on chloride transport in the cortical thick ascending limb of Henle perfused in vitro.

The present studies examined the effect of acute in vitro acidosis on chloride reabsorption in the rabbit cortical thick ascending limb of Henle (cTALH). Four protocols were used: hypercapnic acidosis; "isocapnic" peritubular acidosis (bath bicarbonate reduction to 10 mM); isocapnic luminal acidosis (luminal bicarbonate reduction to 10 mM); isocapnic peritubular acidosis in the absence of luminal potassium. Transepithelial voltage (VT) decreased during hypercapnic acidosis and increased with recovery. Chloride reabsorption (pmol X mm-1 X min-1) decreased from 50.3 +/- 8.4 to 15.7 +/- 5.6, then increased to 45.6 +/- 11.1 with recovery. Likewise, VT was decreased reversibly during isocapnic peritubular acidosis, and chloride reabsorption decreased by 60%. Chloride reabsorption was greater (28.3 +/- 3.6) when tubules were perfused at normal luminal pH than at an acidotic luminal pH (11.4 +/- 4.5; P less than 0.05). Luminal potassium removal reduced chloride transport, and acidosis had no significant additional effect. Decreased chloride reabsorption in the cTALH during acidosis could contribute to the chloruresis associated with systemic acidosis. The symmetrical nature of this effect suggests that acidosis inhibits chloride reabsorption through an effect on cytosolic pH.     

Anion dependence of rabbit medullary collecting duct acidification.

Rabbit medullary collecting duct (MCD) acidification has been demonstrated to occur by means of a sodium-independent, aldosterone-stimulated mechanism. We have examined the anionic dependence of this process by means of the isolated perfused tubule technique. Total replacement of perfusate chloride with gluconate enhanced tubular bicarbonate reabsorption (JHCO3), from a basal rate of 10.7 +/- 1.0 pmol X mm-1 X min-1 to a rate of 15.01 +/- 1.0 pmol X mm-1 X min-1. Removal of bath chloride, with and without removal of perfusate chloride completely abolished acidification. Bath, but not luminal 4-acetamido-4' isothiocyano-2,2'-disulfonic stilbene provoked a marked decrease in JHCO3 from 10.1 +/- 1.2 pmol X mm-1 X min-1 to 2.3 +/- 0.3 pmol X mm-1 X min-1. Measurement of chloride reabsorptive rate (JCl) revealed colinearity between JHCO3 (9.18 +/- 0.9 pmol X mm-1 X min-1) and JCl (9.75 +/- 1.18 pmol X mm-1 X min-1). We propose a model of mammalian distal nephron acidification in which (a) cellular base exit is effected by means of a basolateral membrane Cl-base exchanger and (b) net electroneutrality of electrogenic proton secretion is maintained by the parallel movement of an anionic species, functionally chloride.     

Insulin stimulates volume absorption in the rabbit proximal convoluted tubule.

The present in vitro microperfusion study examined whether insulin affects volume absorption (Jv) in the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT). PCT were perfused with an ultrafiltrate-like solution and were bathed in a serum-like albumin solution. Addition of a physiologic concentration of 10(-10) M insulin to the bathing solution resulted in a stimulation of Jv and a more negative transepithelial potential difference (PD). There was a progressive stimulation of the lumen negative PD and Jv with higher insulin concentrations. Maximal stimulation occurred at 10(-8) M bath insulin. The insulin-induced stimulation of volume reabsorption was also observed when glucose and amino acids were removed from the luminal perfusate. Direct examination of the effect of insulin on glucose, chloride, and bicarbonate absorption demonstrated that the transport of all these solutes was stimulated by insulin. Addition of insulin to the luminal perfusate had no affect on Jv. These data show that insulin has a direct effect to stimulate Jv in the proximal tubule.     

Intracellular cystine loading inhibits transport in the rabbit proximal convoluted tubule.

Cystinosis is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a high intracellular cystine concentration. To establish an in vitro model of this disorder and examine the mechanism of the proximal tubule transport defect seen with elevated intracellular cystine concentrations, rabbit proximal convoluted tubules (PCT) were perfused in vitro. PCTs were loaded with cystine using cystine dimethyl ester, a permeative methyl ester derivative. Bath cystine dimethyl ester (0.5 mM) reduced volume absorption (Jv) (0.67 +/- 0.07 to 0.15 +/- 0.09 nl/mm.min, P less than 0.01), bicarbonate transport (JTCO2) (47.2 +/- 4.9 to 11.1 +/- 2.8 pmol/mm.min, P less than 0.001) and glucose transport (JGLU) (34.1 +/- 1.5 to 19.7 +/- 1.5 pmol/mm.min, P less than 0.001). The methyl esters of leucine (0.5 mM), and tryptophan (0.5 and 2.0 mM) had no effect on these parameters. To examine if intracellular reduction of cystine to cysteine could contribute to the inhibition in transport, the effect of bath cysteine methyl ester on proximal tubular transport was examined. Bath cysteine methyl ester (2 but not 0.5 mM) resulted in an inhibition in Jv, JGLU, and JTCO2. Cystine dimethyl ester had no effect on mannitol or bicarbonate permeability. These data are consistent with intracellular proximal tubular cystine accumulation resulting in an inhibition of active transport.     

A Microperfusion Study of Phsophate Reabsorption by the Rat Proximal Renal Tubule EFFECT OF PARATHYROID HORMONE

To study the mechanism of phsophate reabsorption by the proximal tubule and the effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH), microperfusion experiments were carried out in rats. Segments of proximal tubule isolated by oil blocks were perfused in vivo with one of three solutions, each containing 152 meq/liter Na(+) and 2 mmol/liter phosphate, but otherwise differing in composition. The pH of solution 1 was 6.05-6.63, indicating that 60-85% of the phosphate was in the form of H(2)PO(4) (-). The pH of solution 2 was 7.56-7.85, and 85-92% of the phosphate was in the form of HPO(4) (=). Solution 3 contained HCO(3) (-) and glucose and had a pH of 7.50-7.65. When the proximal tubules were perfused with solution 1, the (32)P concentration in the collected perfusate was found to be consistently lower than in the initial perfusion solution. In sharp contrast, when the tubules were perfused with solutions 2 or 3, (32)P concentration usually rose above that in the initial solution. Water (and persumably Na(+)) reabsorption, as measured with [(3)H]inulin, was the same with the acid and alkaline solutions. Administration of partially purified PTH clearly prevented the fall in phosphate concentration with the acid solution, but had a less discernible effect on phosphate reabsorption with the two alkaline solutions. Measurements of pH within the perfused segments with antimony microelectrodes demonstrated that PTH enhanced alkalinization of the acid perfusion solution. The findings are consistent with the view that H(2)PO(4) (-) is reabsorbed preferentially over HPO(4) (=). This can be attributed to either an active transport mechanism for H(2)PO(4) (-) or selective membrane permeability to this anion. PTH appears to either inhibit an active transport process for H(2)PO(4) (-), or to interfere with passive diffusion of phosphate by alkalinizing the tubular lumen.     

Effects of Anion-Transport Inhibitors on NaCl Reabsorption in the Rat Superficial Proximal Convoluted Tubule

The effects of anion-transport inhibitors on volume reabsorption, and total CO(2) concentrations were examined by in vivo microperfusion of superficial proximal convoluted tubules of rats. The luminal perfusion solution was a high-chloride, low-bicarbonate solution like that in the in vivo late proximal tubule. The anion-transport inhibitors were only added to the luminal perfusion solutions.In tubules perfused with the control high-chloride solution, the rate of volume reabsorption (J(v)) was 2.3+/-0.2 nl/mm.min (n = 18), and the collected total CO(2) concentration was 4.0+/-0.3 mM. Furosemide (3 mM) caused a marked reduction in volume reabsorption to 0.8+/-0.3 nl/mm.min (n = 20) and only a slight increase in the total CO(2) concentration of collected samples of perfusate (7.8+/-0.5 mM). 0.8 mM acetazolamide caused a more pronounced rise in the collected total CO(2) concentrations to 10.7+/-0.5 mM but only a slight fall in J(v) to 1.7+/-0.3 nl/mm.min (n = 19). Hence, we inferred that inhibition of carbonic anhydrase only partially accounted for the inhibition of J(v) by furosemide. 4-acetamido-4'-iso-thiocyanato-stilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (0.1 mM), a well-characterized inhibitor of erythrocyte anion exchange mechanisms, also reduced J(v) to 1.6+/-0.3 nl/mm.min (n = 15) without changing the total CO(2) concentrations of the collected perfusates (3.6+/-0.4 mM). The effect of 4-acetamido-4'-iso-thiocyanato-stilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid on volume reabsorption could not be explained by carbonic anhydrase inhibition because there was no increase in the total CO(2) concentration of the collected fluids. Furosemide did not significantly inhibit the rate of tracer glucose efflux out of the tubules, which suggests that the effect of furosemide on volume reabsorption was not a result of some nonspecific depression of active sodium transport. These results are discussed with respect to the possible effects of anion-transport inhibitors on the paracellular shunt pathway, active sodium reabsorption, and neutral sodium chloride transport.     

Isolated Nephron Segments from Rabbit Models of Obstructive Nephropathy

Micropuncture and microcatheterization studies have been used extensively to investigate the pathophysiologic alterations in renal function induced by urinary tract obstruction. The present isolated tubule microperfusion studies were designed to examine the intrinsic alterations in segmental nephron function induced by 24 h of bilateral (BUO) and unilateral (UUO) urinary tract obstruction.Following UUO superficial proximal convoluted tubule reabsorption rate (J(v)) was not different from contralateral control (0.75+/-0.08 vs. 0.73+/-0.11 nl/mm per min, NS). Following UUO J(v) in juxtamedullary proximal convoluted tubules (JMPCT) was reduced 32% (0.69+/-0.06 vs. 0.47+/-0.04 nl/mm per min, P < 0.02). Following UUO J(v) in proximal straight tubules (PST) was reduced 52% (0.25+/-0.02 vs. 0.12+/-0.03, P < 0.01). Thick ascending limb (T-ALH) function was assessed by measurement of ability to lower perfusate chloride ion concentration (DeltaCl). Following UUO DeltaCl was reduced 76% (-39+/-9 vs. -9+/-1 meq/liter, P < 0.001). Cortical collecting tubule (CCT) function was assessed by measurement of antiduiretic hormone (ADH)-dependent osmotic water flow. Following UUO osmotic water flow was reduced 76% (0.90+/-0.08 vs. 0.22+/-0.04 nl/mm per min, P < 0.01) and this ADH resistance could not be overcome by cAMP. Nephron segments were then examined following relief of BUO. There were no differences in intrinsic function following relief of BUO when compared with UUO. We conclude that in UUO and BUO (a) the intrinsic tubular defects are identical, (b) the natriuresis noted is due, in part, to disordered JMPCT, PST, and T-ALH NaCl reabsorption, (c) the impaired concentrating ability is due, in part, to depressed function in T-ALH and ADH resistance of the CCT, and (d) the ADH resistance occurs at a site distal to the intracellular generation of cAMP.     

Proximal tubular bicarbonate reabsorption and PCO2 in chronic metabolic alkalosis in the rat.

Studies were undertaken to define the pattern of proximal tubular bicarbonate reabsorption and its relation to tubular and capillary PCO2 in rats with chronic metabolic alkalosis (CMA). CMA was induced by administering furosemide to rats ingesting a low electrolyte diet supplemented with NaHCO3 and KHCO3. Proximal tubular bicarbonate reabsorption and PCO2 were measured in CMA rats either 4-7 or 11-14 d after furosemide injection, in order to study a wide range of filtered bicarbonate loads. A group of nine age-matched control animals, fed the same diet but not given furosemide, was studied for comparison. In a third group of controls, the filtered load of bicarbonate was varied over the same range as in the CMA rats by plasma infusion and aortic constriction. The CMA rats had significant alkalemia and hypokalemia (4-7 d: pH 7.58, HCO3 38.3 meq/liter, K+ 2.1 meq/liter; 11-14 d: pH 7.54, HCO3 38.1 meq/liter, K+ 2.5 meq/liter). Nonetheless, proximal bicarbonate reabsorption was not significantly different from that seen in control rats at any given load of filtered bicarbonate (from 250 to 1,300 pmol/min). In both control and CMA rats, 83-85% of the filtered bicarbonate was reabsorbed by the end of the accessible proximal tubule. These observations indicate that proximal bicarbonate reabsorption is determined primarily by the filtered load in chronic metabolic alkalosis. When single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR) is reduced by volume depletion in the early postfurosemide period, the filtered load and the rate of proximal bicarbonate reabsorption remain at or below control levels, maintaining metabolic alkalosis. In the late postfurosemide period, however, SNGFR returned to control levels in some instances. In these animals, both the filtered load and rate of proximal reabsorption were increased above the highest levels seen in control animals. The PCO2 gradient between the peritubular capillaries and arterial blood (Pc-Art) was significantly higher in CMA than in control, even though the rate of proximal bicarbonate reabsorption did not differ. Thus, proximal bicarbonate reabsorption did not appear to be the primary determinant of Pc-Art PCO2. PCO2 in the early proximal (EP) tubule was significantly higher than in either the late proximal (LP) tubule or peritubular capillaries in both control and CMA rats. The EP-LP PCO2 gradient correlated directly with proximal bicarbonate reabsorption (P less than 0.05). The small elevation in PCO2 in EP may be related to CO2 generated at this site in the process of bicarbonate reabsorption.     

Characteristics of Volume Reabsorption in Rabbit Superficial and Juxtamedullary Proximal Convoluted Tubules

Segments of superficial and juxtamedullary proximal convoluted tubules of the rabbit were perfused in vitro to examine the mechanisms responsible for net volume reabsorption. The very early postglomerular segments were not studied. Fluid reabsorptive rates and transepithelial potential differences were compared under various conditions: (a) with perfusate that simulated glomerular filtrate; (b) with perfusate that lacked glucose, amino acids, and acetate and that had HCO(3) and Cl concentrations of 5 and 140 mM, respectively; (c) with perfusate that lacked glucose, amino acids, and acetate but with 20 meq of NaHCO(3) replaced with 20 meq of Na cyclamate; (d) with the same perfusate as in b but in the presence of ouabain in the bath; (e) with ultrafiltrate of rabbit serum titrated with HCl to final HCO(3) and Cl concentrations of 2 and 134 mM, respectively. Tubules were perfused with this titrated ultrafiltrate at 37 degrees C, 21 degrees C, and in the presence of 0.1 mM ouabain in the bath. Bath fluid in all experiments was regular rabbit serum. Under conditions a and b superficial proximal convoluted tubule (SFPCT) and juxtamedullary proximal convoluted tubule (JMPCT) behaved similarly with the exception that SFPCT exhibited a lumen-positive and JMPCT a lumen-negative electrical potential under condition b. However, under condition c SFPCT failed to exhibit net volume reabsorption, whereas reabsorption in JMPCT continued unchanged. Ouabain did not affect volume reabsorption in SFPCT under condition d, whereas neither ouabain nor hypothermia affected SFPCT under condition e. In contrast, ouabain and hypothermia totally inhibited volume reabsorption in JMPCT under conditions d and e. These studies document heterogeneous mechanisms responsible for volume reabsorption in the major portions of SFPCT and JMPCT with passive forces predominating in SFPCT and active forces in JMPCT.     

Indomethacin antagonizes furosemide's intratubular effects during loop segment microperfusion

To determine if indomethacin antagonizes the effect of intraluminal furosemide, superficial loop segments were microperfused from latest proximal to earliest distal tubules at 20 nl/min with 10(-5) M furosemide in rats treated with indomethacin or vehicle. Base-line loop chloride reabsorption was determined in the presence and absence of indomethacin in a third and fourth group perfused with a similar solution with furosemide omitted. Arterial pressure, whole kidney inulin clearance and urinary chloride excretion were not different among groups. Fractional loop chloride reabsorption was less (P less than .05) in vehicle-treated rats perfused with furosemide than in time control rats perfused without furosemide (30.8 +/- 2.8 vs. 50.3 +/- 2.8%). Fractional chloride reabsorption was greater (P less than .05) in furosemide-perfused loops of indomethacin-treated rats than furosemide-perfused loops of vehicle-treated rats (44.2 +/- 1.9 vs. 30.8 +/- 2.8%). Addition of 10(-4) M prostaglandin E2 to perfusate did not potentiate furosemide's effect in vehicle-treated rats but restored furosemide's potency in indomethacin-treated rats. Thus, indomethacin had no effect on base-line loop chloride uptake but attenuated furosemide's luminal effect. This response could be reversed by luminal prostaglandin E2. This study demonstrates that indomethacin antagonizes furosemide's tubular effects in the absence of furosemide-induced vasodilatation.     

Characteristics of salt and water transport in superficial and juxtamedullary straight segments of proximal tubules.

The purpose of the present studies was to characterize the nature of salt and water transport out of the superficial (SF) and juxtamedullary (JM) straight segments of rabbit proximal tubules as examined by in vitro microperfusion techniques. When the perfusate consisted of a solution simulating ultrafiltrate of plasma, there were no differences between SF and JM straight tubules in either net reabsorption of fluid (SF=0.47 nl/mm per min; JM=0.56 nl/mm per min) or in transtubular potential difference (PD) (SF=-2.1 mV; JM=-1.8 mV). Removal of glucose and alanine from the perfusate had no effect on the magnitude of the PD in either straight segment. Ouabain decreased both the net reabsorptive rates and the PD. Isosmolal replacement of NaCL by Na-cyclamate (a presumed impermeant anion) in the perfusate and the bath caused an increase in luminal negativity in both segments wheras similar substitution of NaCL by choline-CL (nontransported cation) changed the PD TO NEAR ZERO. These studies, therefore, suggest that sodium is transported out of the proximal straight tubules by an active noncoupled process that generates a PD (electrogenic process). When the perfusate consisted of a solution with a high chloride concentration (resulting from greater HCO3 than CI reabsorption in the proximal convoluted tubule), different PDs in SF and JM tubules were generated: SF=+1.6 plus or minus 0.2 mV; JM=-1.3 plus or minus 0.3 mV. This difference in PD was attributed to relative differences in Na and CI permeabilities in these two segments. Electrophysiological and isotopic estimates of the chloride to sodium permeability revealed that the SF tubule is about twice as permeant to chloride than to sodium whereas the JM tubules are approximately twice as permeant to sodium than to chloride. It is concluded that the mechanism of active sodium transport in the straight segment of proximal tubule differs from that of the convoluted segment and that both the SF and JM straight segments differ from each other with respect os sodium and chloride permeability.     

Early enhancement of fluid transport in rabbit proximal straight tubules after loss of contralateral renal excretory function.

To assess the renal functional adaptation to reduced excretory capacity, we studied whole kidney and single nephron function in anesthetized volume-replete rabbits after unilateral (left kidney) nephrectomy (UNX), ureteral obstruction (UO), or ureteroperitoneostomy (UP). At 24 h, despite the absence of measurable hypertrophy of the contralateral (right) kidney, these procedures significantly increased p-aminohippurate clearance (45-54%) and inulin clearance (CIN) (64-110%) compared with sham-operated control animals. In each group, whole kidney sodium reabsorption increased in proportion to the rise in CIN. To determine whether the intrinsic transport capacity of proximal tubule segments is altered by these maneuvers, we measured fluid volume reabsorption rate (Jv) in isolated superficial proximal straight tubule (PST) segments perfused in vitro, comparing each control tubule (obtained by biopsy of the left kidney immediately before an experimental maneuver) with a corresponding tubule segment obtained 24 h or 7 d later from the contralateral kidney. Control tubule Jv in sham-24 h animals averaged 0.48 +/- 0.04 nl/(min X mm). Jv did not change significantly at 24 h or 7 d after sham maneuvers but increased significantly at 24 h after UNX [delta Jv = 0.13 +/- 0.03 nl/(min X mm)], UO [delta Jv = 0.10 +/- 0.04 nl/(min X mm)], and UP [delta Jv = 0.13 +/- 0.04 nl/(min X mm)]. Jv remained increased by similar amounts at 7 d after UNX and UO. To evaluate whether an increase in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) might be the stimulus to this augmentation in Jv values, methylprednisolone (MP) (15 mg/kg per d) was administered daily to sham-operated animals, a maneuver which induced a 73% rise in CIN by day 5. This procedure also produced a significant increase in Jv in PST at 5 d [delta Jv = 0.16 +/- 0.05 nl/(min X mm)]. The increase in Jv evident in each group at 5 or 7 d was paralleled by an equivalent change in tubule cell volume and apparent tubule luminal surface area in UNX-7d and MP-5d; no such increments in these indices, or in apparent tubule serosal surface area were evident at 24 h in any group. Thus, a 50% reduction in renal excretory function in the rabbit provokes adjustments in renal plasma flow rate and GFR in the contralateral kidney, which are evident by 24 h. The concurrent change in Jv in PST is closely related to CIN or some associated hemodynamic process, but does not appear to require an increase in tubule cell volume or apparent surface area. The ability to detect these small in vivo changes in Jv may derive from the enhanced sensitivity of paired-kidney experiments using tubule segments obtained by renal biopsy.