Lactate absorption in Thamnophis proximal tubule: transport versus metabolism

Proximal tubules from the kidney of Thamnophis (garter snake) were perfused in vitro and unidirectional fluxes of lactate measured using L(+)-[U-14C]lactate, (lactate concentration, 1 mM). The lumen-to-bath (absorptive) flux (Jlb lact) significantly exceeded the bath-to-lumen flux (backflux) (Jbl lact) in each of 12 tubules (seven distal proximal and five proximal proximal). The flux ratio (Jlb lact/Jbl lact) was approximately 3.00. At flow rates of 13-16 nl/min and lactate concentration of 1 mM the net flux was about 1.60 pmol . min-1 . mm-1 in both proximal proximal and distal proximal segments. Both fluxes were decreased by perfusion at 5 degrees C. To determin e the contribution of metabolism of lactate to its absorption, Jlb lact was measured at 25 degrees C in 10 distal proximal tubules during perfusion with [14C]lactate, lactate concentration, 1 mM, and with [methoxy-3H]inulin. In these experiments, the amount of 14C found in the bath was 93% of the amount of 14C absorbed from the lumen. Chromatography showed that all of the 14C found in the bath was [14C]lactate. These data establish that in Thamnophis proximal tubule lactate absorption occurs against an electro chemical gradient by transport of the intact lactate molecule without significant metabolism.