Ionic regulation of Na absorption in proximal colon: cation inhibition of electroneutral Na absorption

Active Na absorption (JNanet) in rabbit proximal colon in vitro is paradoxically stimulated as [Na] in the bathing media is lowered with constant osmolarity. At 140 mM [Na]o, JNanet is -0.6 +/- 0.4 mueq X cm-2 X h-1, whereas at 50 mM [Na]o JNanet is 5.0 +/- 0.7 mueq X cm-2 X h-1, P less than 0.01. JNas----m is a linear function of [Na]o, suggesting a diffusional flux. JNam----s increases almost linearly from 0 to 50 mM [Na]o but then plateaus and actually decreases from 50 to 140 mM [Na]o, consistent with inhibition of an active transport process. Both lithium and Na are equally effective inhibitors of JNanet, whereas choline and mannitol do not block the high rate of JNanet observed in decreased [Na]o. Either gluconate or proprionate replacement of Cl inhibits JNanet. Removal of K or HCO3 does not alter Na absorption. JNanet at lowered [Na]o is electrically silent and is accompanied by increased Cl absorption; it is inhibited by 10(-3) M amiloride and 10(-3) M theophylline but not by 10(-4) M bumetanide. Epinephrine is equally effective at stimulating Na absorption at 50 and 140 mM [Na]; yohimbine does not inhibit JNanet at 50 mM [Na]o. Na gradient experiments are consistent with a predominantly serosal effect of the decreased [Na]o. These results suggest that Na absorption in rabbit proximal colon in vitro is stimulated by decreased [Na]; the effect is cation specific, both Na and Li blocking the stimulatory effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)