Surviving rat distal tubule bicarbonate reabsorption: effects of chronic AT(1) blockade

To determine the in vivo effects of chronic ANG II type 1 (AT(1))-receptor blockade by losartan (Los) on enhanced unidirectional bicarbonate reabsorption (J(HCO(3))) of surviving distal tubules, nephrectomized rats drank either water or a solution of Los, 7 days before microperfusion. J(HCO(3)) was suppressed by 50% after Los without further reduction by 5 nM concanamycin A (Conc), suggesting that Los suppresses all Conc-sensitive H(+)-ATPase pumping. Indeed, ultrastructural analysis of A-type intercalated cells revealed a 50% reduction of H(+)-ATPase immunogold labeling of the apical plasma membrane, whereas Western blotting showed that H(+)-ATPase protein levels were also reduced by one-half by Los treatment. To identify other transporters sustaining J(HCO(3)), we perfused three inhibitors simultaneously [5-(N, N-dimethyl) amiloride hydrochloride, Conc, Schering 28080] with or without prior Los treatment: J(HCO(3)) was unchanged despite marked reduction of water reabsorption. We conclude enhanced distal tubule J(HCO(3)) of surviving nephrons is largely mediated by AT(1) receptor-dependent synthesis and insertion of apical H(+)-ATPase pumps in A-type intercalated cells.