Effects of acute alterations in PCO2 on proximal HCO-3, Cl-, and H2O reabsorption

The effect of acute changes in arterial PCO2 on absolute proximal reabsorption of bicarbonate, chloride, and water has not been systematically studied. In the present free-flow micropuncture studies in Munich-Wistar rats, arterial PCO2 was increased or decreased by 20 mmHg. Under conditions of stable SNGFR, proximal and whole kidney electrolyte reabsorption was measured. Acute hypocapnia decreased absolute proximal bicarbonate reabsorption by 23% (from 1,008 +/- 38 to 773 +/- 36 pmol/min). Proximal volume reabsorption also decreased. Although bicarbonate delivery out of the superficial proximal convoluted tubule did not exceed normal levels, bicarbonaturia developed, suggesting an additional suppression of acidification by distal and/or juxtamedullary nephron segments. Acute hypercapnia increased absolute proximal bicarbonate reabsorption by only 10% in chronically alkalotic animals (from 1,050 +/- 68 to 1,176 +/- 77 pmol/min). In acutely alkalotic animals, hypercapnia caused no significant increment in the higher basal level of absolute proximal bicarbonate reabsorption (from 1,158 +/- 120 to 1,234 +/- 97 pmol/min). Whole kidney bicarbonate reabsorption rose, again suggesting a distal and/or juxtamedullary effect. Hypercapnia inhibited proximal chloride reabsorption and caused a chloruresis. In conclusion, acute hypo- and hypercapnia caused alterations in proximal bicarbonate, chloride, and sodium transport that may participate, at least in part, in the changes in whole kidney electrolyte reabsorption observed in these conditions. Distal and/or juxtamedullary nephrons also appeared to contribute to the changes in renal acidification induced by alterations in systemic PCO2.