The isolated duct of the rat cauda epididymidis as a model for isosmotic transport studies

Electrolytes and water transport have been studied in the perfused isolated duct of the rat cauda epididymis in vitro. The rates of reabsorption of sodium, chloride and water and of secretion of potassium were found to be comparable to those in the perfused rat cauda epididymidis in vivo. Sodium reabsorption was isotonic and inhibited by the metabolic uncoupler 2,4-dinitrophenol and cooling. Removal of sodium ions from the intraluminal fluid abolished water reabsorption in the isolated duct. When potassium ions were removed from the peritubular medium the secretion of potassium was abolished, but the reabsorption of sodium and water was unaffected. Under this condition, the reabsorption of chloride was enhanced. Removal of calcium ions from the lumen increased the rates of sodium and water reabsorption and potassium secretion by twofold. Amiloride (10(-4) M) added to the intraluminal fluid had no effect on the electrolyte and water transport in the isolated duct, whereas triaminopyrimidine produced a dose-dependent inhibition of sodium and water reabsorption when added to both sides. Sodium and water reabsorption were found to be inhibited by the application of ouabain (10(-3) M) to the peritubular side and of ethacrynic acid (10(-4) to 10(-5) M) to the luminal peritubular side and of ethacrynic acid (10(-4) to 10(-5) M) to the luminal side. These results are discussed in the light of the recent concepts of isosmotic transepithelial transport.