Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Culturing Primary Rat Inner Medullary Collecting Duct Cells
Published on: June 21, 2013
Bicarbonate transport by isolated perfused rat collecting ducts
Abstract:
Previously, bicarbonate transport was measured in isolated perfused rabbit cortical collecting ducts (CCD) and outer medullary collecting ducts (OMCD). Rabbit CCD either absorbed or secreted bicarbonate in vitro, depending on whether the animals were treated with NH4Cl or NaHCO3, but the OMCD absorbed bicarbonate regardless of the treatment. The general significance of these findings (particularly the bicarbonate secretion) was questioned because rabbits are herbivores that normally excrete alkaline urine. Therefore, we have now studied rats, an omnivorous species, that normally excrete acid urine. The overall pattern of bicarbonate transport in rats was similar to that previously found in rabbits. CCD from rats given NaHCO3 initially secreted bicarbonate, but those from rats given NH4Cl absorbed bicarbonate. Rat OMCD all absorbed bicarbonate, regardless of the treatment. The significant differences between the results with rats and rabbits were 1) a marked shift in bicarbonate transport in control and bicarbonate-loaded rat (but not rabbit) CCD with time of perfusion in vitro from secretion toward absorption; this implies an additional regulatory mechanism in rats; and 2) rat OMCDs absorbing bicarbonate more than three times faster than rabbit OMCD. These results provide additional evidence that conditioned changes in cortical collecting duct bicarbonate transport, now observed in two different species, play a significant role in the control of net acid excretion.
More Related Videos
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...
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...
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...
Methods for Studying Drug Absorption: In situ
The Doluisio method involves perfusing a prepared segment of a rat's small intestine with a solution of radiolabeled drug and a non-absorbable marker. This helps to differentiate between absorbed and non-absorbed drug concentrations. The intestinal segment is connected at both ends using tubing and syringes,...

