Augmented bidirectional HCO3 transport by rat distal tubules in chronic alkalosis

Free-flow micropuncture studies show both augmented net HCO3 reabsorption in the distal tubule of rats with chronic metabolic alkalosis and higher HCO3 delivery to this nephron segment. The present studies in rats used in vivo microperfusion of surface distal tubules to investigate whether the augmented net reabsorption 1) was due to decreased HCO3 secretion and/or to increased proton secretion or 2) depended on the higher HCO3 delivery to the distal tubule. Artificial perfusates were designed to simulate in situ deliveries of HCO3 to the distal tubules of both alkalotic and control animals and to represent extremes of in situ Cl deliveries. Rather than being decreased, both measured and calculated HCO3 secretion were higher in the alkalotic animals for each perfusate used. Similarly, calculated proton secretion (difference between net HCO3 reabsorption and calculated HCO3 secretion) was higher for the alkalotic animals using each HCO3-containing perfusate. Augmented net HCO3 reabsorption by alkalotic animals was more clearly demonstrated using higher HCO3 deliveries and Cl-free perfusates. These studies demonstrate that both the reabsorptive and secretory components of net HCO3 transport are increased in the distal tubule of animals with chronic metabolic alkalosis.