Potassium transport by the renal distal tubule: effects of potassium loading

Microperfusion studies were performed on superficial distal tubules to determine the relationship between potassium secretion by the distal tubule and plasma potassium concentrations in rats on a control and a high potassium diet. Potassium was infused in graded doses into animals on a control diet and into animals receiving a high potassium diet. Since potassium loading in rats is known to inhibit proximal tubular sodium and fluid reabsorption and thereby could lead to nonspecific flow-related stimulation of potassium secretion by the distal tubule, continuous microperfusion techniques at constant flow rate were used to measure the rate of potassium secretion. Additionally, plasma aldosterone levels were measured and renal clearance experiments carried out. The results show that potassium secretion, restricted to cells of the late distal tubule, reaches a maximal rate at a plasma potassium concentration of about 6 meq/liter. Potassium adaptation significantly enhances potassium secretion compared with animals on a control diet over a range of plasma potassium from 3.8 to 7.4 meq/liter. Enhanced potassium secretion by the distal tubule, in both control and potassium-adapted animals, is associated with increased aldosterone levels.