High K+ effects on PAH transport and permeabilities in isolated snake renal tubules

Effects of high potassium concentrations on para-aminohippurate (PAH) transport by isolated, perfused snake (Thamnophis spp.) distal-proximal renal tubules were studied. Increasing the potassium concentration in bath from 3 mM TO 10 mM OR 40 MM led to about 50% decrease in net PAH transport from bath to lumen in less than 10 min, but transport still occurred against concentration gradient. Cell water PAH concentration was not significantly depressed in 10 mMpotassium and was nearly double control level in 40 mM potassium. Apparent luminal membrane permeability to PAH, calculated from perfusion studies, averaged about 3.5 x 10(-5) cm sec(-1) in 3 mM potassium, 1.15 x 10(-5) cm sec(-1) in 10 mM potassium, and 0.48 x 10(-5) cm sec(-1) in 40 mM potassium. Apparent peritubular membrane permeability, determined from PAH efflux from tubules with oil-filled lumens averaged about 0.5 x 10(-5) cm sec(-1) in 3 mM potassium, 0.29 x 10(-5) cm sec(-1) in 10 mM potassium, and 0.17 x 10(-5) cm sec(-1) in 40 mM potassium. These data suggest that high potassium concentrations depress transepithelial PAH transport primarily by reducing luminal and peritubular membrane permeabilities. Effect of high potassium on PAH transport was reversed within 20 min after restoration of control potassium concentration.