Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Culturing Primary Rat Inner Medullary Collecting Duct Cells
Published on: June 21, 2013
Regulation of Cl-/HCO3- exchange in the rabbit cortical collecting tubule
1Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.
Abstract:
Cl-/HCO3- exchange is present in all three cell types of the rabbit cortical collecting tubule, yet may mediate a different function in each cell type. The purpose of this study was to characterize further the location, function, and regulation of Cl-/HCO3- exchange in two cell types using measurements of intracellular pH (pHi). In the principal cell there was no evidence for apical Cl-/HCO3- exchange, including no change in pHi with increases in luminal HCO3-. The principal cell possesses a basolateral Cl-/HCO3- exchanger that is inactive normally but stimulated by intracellular alkalosis. Decreased PCO2 results in increased pHi associated with activation of Cl-/HCO3- exchange and partial recovery of pHi. In contrast, the beta-intercalated cell possesses an apical Cl-/HCO3- exchanger and alkalinizes with increases in luminal HCO3-. Also in contrast to the principal cell, the beta-intercalated cell apical Cl-/HCO3- exchanger does not appear to be involved in pHi regulation and may be specifically modified for transcellular HCO3- transport. In conclusion, the separate Cl-/HCO3- exchangers in the principal cell and the beta-intercalated cell not only have opposite polarity but are regulated differently.
Related Concept Videos
Renal Tubule and Collecting Duct
Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT):
The PCT is the initial segment of the renal tubule, extending from the Bowman's capsule that encloses the glomerulus. Its convoluted structure and microvilli-lined cells increase the surface area for reabsorption. The PCT reabsorbs glucose, amino acids, sodium, and water from the filtrate, ensuring essential...
Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion
Tubular reabsorption is a selective process that starts when the filtrate enters the proximal tubules. It involves substances traveling through the transcellular route (through the tubule cell and peritubular...
Reabsorption and Secretion in the PCT
Transport mechanisms involving sodium ions (Na+) contribute significantly to solute reabsorption. These mechanisms include symport and antiport processes.
A key example is the...
Reabsorption and Secretion in the DCT and Collecting Duct
The distal part of the DCT, along with the...
Renal Regulation of Acid-Base Balance
In the kidneys, cells within the proximal convoluted tubules (PCT) and the collecting ducts secrete hydrogen ions (H+) into the tubular fluid. Specifically, in the PCT, Na+/H+ antiporters secrete H+ while reabsorbing Na+.
However, the intercalated cells in...
Physiology of the Genitourinary System II: Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion

