Absorption and secretion of potassium by rabbit descending colon

Measurements of K fluxes under a variety of conditions have provided an internally consistent set of data that demonstrate active absorption and active secretion of K by rabbit descending colon in vitro. The properties of K diffusion across the paracellular pathway are those of a free solution shunt. With Na and Cl present on both sides of short-circuited tissues the two opposing active K transport systems balance each other, so that there is no net K transport. Net K absorption results when the transcellular secretory K flux is inhibited by 1. serosal addition of ouabain, 2. serosal addition of furosemide, or 3. omission of either Na or Cl from the serosal solution. Hence basolateral K uptake appears to be mediated by a furosemide-sensitive Na-Cl-K cotransport system in addition to the Na-K exchange pump. Luminal addition of mersalyl or orthovanadate inhibits active K absorption. The adenosine analogue 5'-N-ethylcarboxamide adenosine and the beta-adrenergic agent isoproterenol, added to the serosal solution, cause net K secretion which is inhibitable by furosemide. The secretory K fluxes, both under stimulated and nonstimulated conditions, are abolished by an opposing electrical gradient, suggesting conductive K exit across the apical cell membrane, whereas K absorption appears to be an electroneutral process.