Skip to main content
NCBI home page
The Journal of Clinical Investigation logoLink to The Journal of Clinical Investigation
. 1986 Dec;78(6):1558–1567. doi: 10.1172/JCI112748

Renal bicarbonate reabsorption in the rat. I. Effects of hypokalemia and carbonic anhydrase.

G Capasso, R Kinne, G Malnic, G Giebisch
PMCID: PMC423917  PMID: 3097074

Abstract

Free-flow micropuncture studies were carried out on superficial rat proximal and distal tubules to assess the participation of different nephron segments in bicarbonate transport. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of the distal tubule, and micro-calorimetric methods used to quantitate bicarbonate reabsorption. Experiments were carried out in control conditions, during dietary potassium withdrawal, and after acute intravenous infusions of carbonic anhydrase. We observed highly significant net bicarbonate reabsorption in normal acid-base conditions as evidenced by the maintenance of significant bicarbonate concentration gradients in the presence of vigorous fluid absorption. Distal bicarbonate reabsorption persisted in hypokalemic alkalosis and even steeper transepithelial concentration gradients of bicarbonate were maintained. Enhancement of net bicarbonate reabsorption followed the acute intravenous administration of carbonic anhydrase but was limited to the nephron segments between the late proximal and early distal tubule. The latter observation is consistent with a disequilibrium pH along the proximal straight tubule (S3 segment), the thick ascending limb of Henle, and/or the early distal tubule.

Full text

PDF
1558

Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

  1. Alpern R. J., Cogan M. G., Rector F. C., Jr Effects of extracellular fluid volume and plasma bicarbonate concentration on proximal acidification in the rat. J Clin Invest. 1983 Mar;71(3):736–746. doi: 10.1172/JCI110821. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  2. Aronson P. S. Mechanisms of active H+ secretion in the proximal tubule. Am J Physiol. 1983 Dec;245(6):F647–F659. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.1983.245.6.F647. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  3. Bengele H. H., Graber M. L., Alexander E. A. Effect of respiratory acidosis on acidification by the medullary collecting duct. Am J Physiol. 1983 Jan;244(1):F89–F94. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.1983.244.1.F89. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  4. Chan Y. L., Biagi B., Giebisch G. Control mechanisms of bicarbonate transport across the rat proximal convoluted tubule. Am J Physiol. 1982 May;242(5):F532–F543. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.1982.242.5.F532. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  5. Chan Y. L., Malnic G., Giebisch G. Passive driving forces of proximal tubular fluid and bicarbonate transport: gradient dependence of H+ secretion. Am J Physiol. 1983 Nov;245(5 Pt 1):F622–F633. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.1983.245.5.F622. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  6. Cogan M. G., Liu F. Y. Metabolic alkalosis in the rat. Evidence that reduced glomerular filtration rather than enhanced tubular bicarbonate reabsorption is responsible for maintaining the alkalotic state. J Clin Invest. 1983 May;71(5):1141–1160. doi: 10.1172/JCI110864. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  7. DuBose T. D., Jr, Pucacco L. R., Carter N. W. Determination of disequilibrium pH in the rat kidney in vivo: evidence of hydrogen secretion. Am J Physiol. 1981 Feb;240(2):F138–F146. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.1981.240.2.F138. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  8. DuBose T. D., Jr, Pucacco L. R., Lucci M. S., Carter N. W. Micropuncture determination of pH, PCO2, and total CO2 concentration in accessible structures of the rat renal cortex. J Clin Invest. 1979 Aug;64(2):476–482. doi: 10.1172/JCI109485. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  9. Friedman P. A., Andreoli T. E. CO2-stimulated NaCl absorption in the mouse renal cortical thick ascending limb of Henle. Evidence for synchronous Na +/H+ and Cl-/HCO3- exchange in apical plasma membranes. J Gen Physiol. 1982 Nov;80(5):683–711. doi: 10.1085/jgp.80.5.683. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  10. GOTTSCHALK C. W., LASSITER W. E., MYLLE M. Localization of urine acidification in the mammalian kidney. Am J Physiol. 1960 Mar;198:581–585. doi: 10.1152/ajplegacy.1960.198.3.581. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  11. Galla J. H., Bonduris D. N., Dumbauld S. L., Luke R. G. Segmental chloride and fluid handling during correction of chloride-depletion alkalosis without volume expansion in the rat. J Clin Invest. 1984 Jan;73(1):96–106. doi: 10.1172/JCI111211. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  12. Giebisch G., Malnic G., De Mello G. B., De Mello Aires M. Kinetics of luminal acidification in cortical tubules of the rat kidney. J Physiol. 1977 Jun;267(3):571–599. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.1977.sp011827. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  13. Good D. W., Knepper M. A., Burg M. B. Ammonia and bicarbonate transport by thick ascending limb of rat kidney. Am J Physiol. 1984 Jul;247(1 Pt 2):F35–F44. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.1984.247.1.F35. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  14. Good D. W. Sodium-dependent bicarbonate absorption by cortical thick ascending limb of rat kidney. Am J Physiol. 1985 Jun;248(6 Pt 2):F821–F829. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.1985.248.6.F821. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  15. Graber M. L., Bengele H. H., Schwartz J. H., Alexander E. A. pH and PCO2 profiles of the rat inner medullary collecting duct. Am J Physiol. 1981 Dec;241(6):F659–F668. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.1981.241.6.F659. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  16. Hayslett J. P., Boulpaep E. L., Kashgarian M., Giebisch G. H. Electrical characteristics of the mammalian distal tubule: Comparison of Ling-Gerard and macroelectrodes. Kidney Int. 1977 Nov;12(5):324–331. doi: 10.1038/ki.1977.119. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  17. Holmberg C., Kokko J. P., Jacobson H. R. Determination of chloride and bicarbonate permeabilities in proximal convoluted tubules. Am J Physiol. 1981 Oct;241(4):F386–F394. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.1981.241.4.F386. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  18. Hropot M., Fowler N., Karlmark B., Giebisch G. Tubular action of diuretics: distal effects on electrolyte transport and acidification. Kidney Int. 1985 Sep;28(3):477–489. doi: 10.1038/ki.1985.154. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  19. Iino Y., Burg M. B. Effect of acid-base status in vivo on bicarbonate transport by rabbit renal tubules in vitro. Jpn J Physiol. 1981;31(1):99–107. doi: 10.2170/jjphysiol.31.99. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  20. Knepper M. A., Good D. W., Burg M. B. Mechanism of ammonia secretion by cortical collecting ducts of rabbits. Am J Physiol. 1984 Nov;247(5 Pt 2):F729–F738. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.1984.247.5.F729. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  21. Koeppen B. M., Helman S. I. Acidification of luminal fluid by the rabbit cortical collecting tubule perfused in vitro. Am J Physiol. 1982 May;242(5):F521–F531. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.1982.242.5.F521. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  22. Lechène C., Morel F., Guinnebault M., De Rouffignac C. Etude par microponction de l'élaboration de l'urine. I. Chez le rat dans différents états de diurèse. Nephron. 1969;6(4):457–477. doi: 10.1159/000179745. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  23. Levine D. Z. An in vivo microperfusion study of distal tubule bicarbonate reabsorption in normal and ammonium chloride rats. J Clin Invest. 1985 Feb;75(2):588–595. doi: 10.1172/JCI111735. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  24. Levine D. Z., Walker T., Nash L. A. Effects of KCl infusions on proximal tubular function in normal and potassium-depleted rats. Kidney Int. 1973 Nov;4(5):318–325. doi: 10.1038/ki.1973.123. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  25. Lucci M. S., Pucacco L. R., DuBose T. D., Jr, Kokko J. P., Carter N. W. Direct evaluation of acidification by rat proximal tubule: role of carbonic anhydrase. Am J Physiol. 1980 May;238(5):F372–F379. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.1980.238.5.F372. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  26. Lucci M. S., Pucacco L. R., DuBose T. D., Jr, Kokko J. P., Carter N. W. Direct evaluation of acidification by rat proximal tubule: role of carbonic anhydrase. Am J Physiol. 1980 May;238(5):F372–F379. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.1980.238.5.F372. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  27. Lucci M. S., Tinker J. P., Weiner I. M., DuBose T. D., Jr Function of proximal tubule carbonic anhydrase defined by selective inhibition. Am J Physiol. 1983 Oct;245(4):F443–F449. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.1983.245.4.F443. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  28. Lönnerholm G., Ridderstråle Y. Intracellular distribution of carbonic anhydrase in the rat kidney. Kidney Int. 1980 Feb;17(2):162–174. doi: 10.1038/ki.1980.20. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  29. Maddox D. A., Gennari F. J. Load dependence of proximal tubular bicarbonate reabsorption in chronic metabolic alkalosis in the rat. J Clin Invest. 1986 Mar;77(3):709–716. doi: 10.1172/JCI112365. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  30. Maddox D. A., Gennari F. J. Proximal tubular bicarbonate reabsorption and PCO2 in chronic metabolic alkalosis in the rat. J Clin Invest. 1983 Oct;72(4):1385–1395. doi: 10.1172/JCI111095. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  31. Malnic G., De Mello Aires M., Giebisch G. Micropuncture study of renal tubular hydrogen ion transport in the rat. Am J Physiol. 1972 Jan;222(1):147–158. doi: 10.1152/ajplegacy.1972.222.1.147. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  32. Malnic G., Giebisch G. Some electrical properties of distal tubular epithelium in the rat. Am J Physiol. 1972 Oct;223(4):797–808. doi: 10.1152/ajplegacy.1972.223.4.797. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  33. Malnic G., de Mello-Aires M. Kinetic study of bicarbonate reabsorption in proximal tubule of the rat. Am J Physiol. 1971 Jun;220(6):1759–1767. doi: 10.1152/ajplegacy.1971.220.6.1759. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  34. McKinney T. D., Burg M. B. Bicarbonate absorption by rabbit cortical collecting tubules in vitro. Am J Physiol. 1978 Feb;234(2):F141–F145. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.1978.234.2.F141. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  35. McKinney T. D., Burg M. B. Bicarbonate secretion by rabbit cortical collecting tubules in vitro. J Clin Invest. 1978 Jun;61(6):1421–1427. doi: 10.1172/JCI109061. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  36. Mercier O., Bichara M., Paillard M., Gardin J. P., Leviel F. Parathyroid hormone contributes to volume expansion-induced inhibition of proximal reabsorption. Am J Physiol. 1985 Jan;248(1 Pt 2):F100–F103. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.1985.248.1.F100. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  37. Murer H., Hopfer U., Kinne R. Sodium/proton antiport in brush-border-membrane vesicles isolated from rat small intestine and kidney. Biochem J. 1976 Mar 15;154(3):597–604. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  38. OLIVER J., MACDOWELL M., WELT L. G., HOLLIDAY M. A., HOLLANDER W., Jr, WINTERS R. W., WILLIAMS T. F., SEGAR W. E. The renal lesions of electrolyte imbalance. I. The structural alterations in potassium-depleted rats. J Exp Med. 1957 Oct 1;106(4):563–574. doi: 10.1084/jem.106.4.563. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  39. RECTOR F. C., Jr, CARTER N. W., SELDIN D. W. THE MECHANISM OF BICARBONATE REABSORPTION IN THE PROXIMAL AND DISTAL TUBULES OF THE KIDNEY. J Clin Invest. 1965 Feb;44:278–290. doi: 10.1172/JCI105142. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  40. Rector F. C., Jr Sodium, bicarbonate, and chloride absorption by the proximal tubule. Am J Physiol. 1983 May;244(5):F461–F471. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.1983.244.5.F461. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  41. STRICKLER J. C., THOMPSON D. D., KLOSE R. M., GIEBISCH G. MICROPUNCTURE STUDY OF INORGANIC PHOSPHATE EXCRETION IN THE RAT. J Clin Invest. 1964 Aug;43:1596–1607. doi: 10.1172/JCI105035. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  42. Stanton B. A., Biemesderfer D., Wade J. B., Giebisch G. Structural and functional study of the rat distal nephron: effects of potassium adaptation and depletion. Kidney Int. 1981 Jan;19(1):36–48. doi: 10.1038/ki.1981.5. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  43. Steinmetz P. R. Cellular mechanisms of urinary acidification. Physiol Rev. 1974 Oct;54(4):890–956. doi: 10.1152/physrev.1974.54.4.890. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  44. Vieira F. L., Malnic G. Hydrogen ion secretion by rat renal cortical tubules as studied by an antimony microelectrode. Am J Physiol. 1968 Apr;214(4):710–718. doi: 10.1152/ajplegacy.1968.214.4.710. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  45. Vurek G. G., Warnock D. G., Corsey R. Measurement of picomole amounts of carbon dioxide by calorimetry. Anal Chem. 1975 Apr;47(4):765–767. doi: 10.1021/ac60354a024. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  46. Wilcox C. S., Granges F., Kirk G., Gordon D., Giebisch G. Effects of saline infusion on titratable acid generation and ammonia secretion. Am J Physiol. 1984 Sep;247(3 Pt 2):F506–F519. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.1984.247.3.F506. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  47. Woodhall P. B., Tisher C. C. Response of the distal tubule and cortical collecting duct to vasopressin in the rat. J Clin Invest. 1973 Dec;52(12):3095–3108. doi: 10.1172/JCI107509. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  48. Wright F. S. Increasing magnitude of electrical potential along the renal distal tubule. Am J Physiol. 1971 Mar;220(3):624–638. doi: 10.1152/ajplegacy.1971.220.3.624. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  49. de Bermudez L., Windhager E. E. Osmotically induced changes in electrical resistance of distal tubules of rat kidney. Am J Physiol. 1975 Dec;229(6):1536–1546. doi: 10.1152/ajplegacy.1975.229.6.1536. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Articles from Journal of Clinical Investigation are provided here courtesy of American Society for Clinical Investigation

RESOURCES