Effect of volume expansion with NaCl or NaHCO3 on nephron fluid and Cl transport

To assess the influence of plasma anions on nephron fluid and chloride transport following volume expansion (VE), rats were studied by micropuncture technique during hydropenia and after VE with NaCl (CVE) or NaHCO3 (BVE). VE with either solution produced increments in plasma volume, SNGFR, and fractional sodium excretion (FENa), and decrements in proximal and distal TF/P inulin ratio which were not different. The proximal transepithelial chloride ratio decreased similarly in CVE (from 1.34 to 1.16) and BVE (from 1.32 to 1.17). Following VE, proximal fractional Cl reabsorption decreased similarly in both CVE (-5.9%) and BVE (-7.4%). Early distal fractional Cl reabsorption also was decreased in CVE (-12%) but not in BVE (-1%). Fractional chloride excretion increased in CVE but not in BVE. Therefore, following VE plasma anion composition did not significantly modify either fluid reabsorption in proximal tubule or loop of Henle or urinary Na excretion. The fraction of sodium reabsorbed with chloride in the proximal tubule increased, and Cl conservation, primarily within the loop of Henle, can be maintained despite marked natriuresis.