Secondary hyperaldosteronism stimulates acidification in rat distal colon

Recent studies from this laboratory have determined that colonic K+ absorption is altered by the PCO2 and by secondary hyperaldosteronism. Partial inhibition by vanadate and mucosal ouabain suggested the operation of an H+/K+ exchange pump. To determine the mechanism of acidification in rat distal colon, we measured in vitro acidification using the pH-stat technique by voltage-clamped segments of colonic epithelium in controls and in the presence of secondary hyperaldosteronism, induced by a sodium-deficient diet. Chronic stimulation with aldosterone resulted in increased mucosal acidification in vitro for at least 2 h. This effect could not be accounted for by lactate production and was not altered by elimination of the aldosterone-induced increase in voltage and short-circuit current with 10 microM amiloride. Studies with inhibitors and ion substitution revealed that mucosal acidification resulted from both Na-dependent and Na-independent mechanisms. Na-dependent acidification was inhibited by ATPase inhibitors and was mediated in part by a luminal Na+/H+ exchanger in the presence of secondary hyperaldosteronism. Na-independent acidification was mediated by a pathway dependent on luminal K+ that was inhibited by vanadate and mucosal ouabain, consistent with the operation of an H+/K+ exchange pump.