Effect of CO2 on rat colonic Na absorption: studies with nystatin

An increase in ambient CO2 tension from 3% to 11% augments colonic Na absorption in the rat. The membrane site of action of CO2 was examined by measuring colonic Na absorption in the Ussing chamber when nystatin was used to permeabilize the luminal (apical) membrane. The equal rates of ouabain-sensitive Na absorption at 3% and 11% CO2 in the presence of nystatin and at 11% CO2 in its absence suggested that CO2 acted at the luminal membrane. This finding was also observed at a submaximal rate of Na absorption (produced by lowering bathing solution Na from 140 to 27 mmol/L) and in a Cl-free solution (to prevent cell swelling). The basolateral membrane was indeed rate limiting for Na absorption in the presence of nystatin, because methylprednisolone (3 mg/kg SC for 3 days to increase sodium-potassium--stimulated adenosine triphosphatase activity) increased Na absorption measured in the presence of nystatin and because CO2 increased absorption in steroid-treated rats in the absence of nystatin. These results validate the protocol and confirm the luminal site of action of CO2 and nystatin on colonic Na absorption.