Anion channel in basolateral cortical membranes of the rabbit kidney

The presence of chloride conductance in basolateral membranes of proximal tubule is controversial. We measured 36Cl uptake in basolateral membranes loaded with KCl and suspended in a K(+)-free solution to create a positive intravesicular potential difference. Under these conditions, 36Cl uptake was maximal at 1 min, remained stable for at least 10 min and decreased to equilibrium levels by 60-120 min. Collapse of the voltage by valinomycin decreased 36Cl uptake by 46%, indicating the presence of K(+)-gradient-dependent chloride uptake. The chloride channel inhibitor diphenylamine-2-carboxylic acid inhibited 36Cl uptake in a dose-dependent fashion. 36Cl uptake was inhibited equally by unlabeled chloride, iodide and nitrate but not by sulfate or gluconate, indicating that the basolateral anion conductance is relatively selective. 36Cl uptake was pH independent but was calcium dependent. Phosphorylation of basolateral membranes with ATP significantly decreased 36Cl uptake, but the inhibitory effect of ATP was not further altered by exogenous cyclic AMP or the active phorbol ester PMA. These data demonstrate the presence of a relatively selective basolateral anion conductance which is regulated by pH, calcium and ATP.