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Biomedical subjects

D A Maddox

Publications and source records attributed to D A Maddox.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Renal disease in rats with type 2 diabetes is associated with decreased renal nitric oxide production.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: In several other models of chronic renal disease, decreases in renal nitric oxide activity and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) protein abundance have been demonstrated. Here, we studied diabetic obese Zucker (ZDF Gmi fa/fa) rats that develop severe hyperglycaemia and renal disease, together with their lean control animals, to determine if renal nitric oxide deficiency also occurs in this model. METHODS: Obese Zucker rats aged 10 to 12 weeks were maintained on Purina 5008 diet until 4, 8, or 11 months of age and compared with similarly maintained, 4- and 11-month-old lean Zucker rats. NOS activity and abundance of endothelial NOS (eNOS) and neuronal NOS (nNOS) were measured on homogenates of kidney cortex. Blood was analysed for glucose, lipids, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen and kidney tissue was obtained for histology. RESULTS: Obese rats exhibited severe hyperglycaemia from 4 months of age and developed increasing hyperlipidaemia, proteinuria, and decreasing renal function with age compared to lean counterparts. At 4 months cortical NOS activity and nNOS abundance were lower in obese rats than in lean ones. At 11 months NOS activity remained depressed and nNOS abundance had declined further in obese rats. Glomerulosclerosis in the obese rats was mild at 4 months, becoming severe by 11 months. Lean rats had only mild age-dependent increases in glomerular injury. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: The chronic renal disease that occurs in hyperglycaemic, obese Zucker rats is associated with decreased renal cortical nitric oxide production and increasing renal injury, although the changes do not resemble those of diabetic nephropathy in man.

Animals↗

Bradykinin B2-receptors mediate the pressor and renal hemodynamic effects of intravenous bradykinin in conscious rats.

Bradykinin (BK) is a peptide which evokes remarkably different changes in cardiovascular function. Systemic bolus injection of BK results in a rapid drop in blood pressure via an endothelium-dependent mechanism. On the other hand, local administration of BK can activate a powerful pressor reflex by stimulating afferent nerves located in the abdominal viscera, the heart, and the kidney. In the present study, the cardiovascular and renal hemodynamic effects during sustained (intravenous infusion) and transient (intravenous bolus injection) elevations in circulating BK were characterized and the receptor mechanism eliciting these effects was investigated. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and renal blood flow (RBF) were recorded from conscious unrestrained rats while five-point cumulative dose-response curves were constructed during infusion or bolus injection of BK (5-80 microg kg(-1)). Infusion of BK produced dose-dependent increases in MAP (maximum response = 27 +/- 3 mmHg) accompanied by a significant tachycardia (maximum response = 159 +/- 20 bpm), a 28 +/- 6% increase in RBF, and no changes in renal vascular resistance (RVR). The BK-induced increases in MAP, HR, and RBF were abolished after treatment with a ganglion blocker (maximum responses: MAP = 2 +/- 3 mmHg, HR = 13 +/- 4 bpm, RBF = 4 +/- 2%) or with an agent which blocks B2-receptors (maximum responses: MAP = 1 +/- 1 mmHg, HR = 6 +/- 5 bpm, RBF = 6 +/- 2%). In marked contrast, bolus administration of BK resulted in hypotensive responses (maximum decline in MAP = -37 +/- 4 mmHg), reflex tachycardia (maximum increase in HR = 45 +/- 9 bpm), increases in RBF (maximum response = 13 +/- 4%), and significant reductions in RVR (maximum response = 38 +/- 5%). These responses were also prevented when B2-receptors were blocked (maximum responses: MAP = 3 +/- 2 mmHg, HR = 17 +/- 6 bpm, RBF = 3 +/- 3%, RVR = 9 +/- 4%). In summary, BK infusions activated a cardiopressor reflex while BK injections caused hypotension. These opposite effects were both mediated via B2-receptors. These findings suggest that BK can have complex effects on the cardiovascular system that may be dependent on the sites, magnitude, and duration of elevated BK concentrations.

Animals↗

Intrarenal infusion of bradykinin elicits a pressor response in conscious rats via a B2-receptor mechanism.

Bradykinin (BK) is a peptide known to activate afferent nerve fibers from the kidney and elicit reflex changes in the cardiovascular system. The present study was specifically designed to test the hypothesis that bradykinin B2 receptors mediated the pressor responses elicited during intrarenal bradykinin administration. Pulsed Doppler flow probes were positioned around the left renal artery to measure renal blood flow (RBF). A catheter, to permit selective intrarenal administration of BK, was advanced into the proximal left renal artery. The femoral artery was cannulated to measure mean arterial pressure (MAP). MAP, heart rate (HR), and RBF were recorded from conscious unrestrained rats while five-point cumulative dose-response curves during an intrarenal infusion of BK (5-80 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)) were constructed. Intrarenal infusion of BK elicited dose-dependent increases in MAP (maximum pressor response, 26+/-3 mmHg), accompanied by a significant tachycardia (130+/-18 beats/min) and a 28% increase in RBF. Ganglionic blockade abolished the BK-induced increases in MAP (maximum response, -6+/-5 mmHg), HR (maximum response 31+/-14 beats/min), and RBF (maximum response, 7+/-2%). Selective intrarenal B2-receptor blockade with HOE-140 (50 microg/kg intrarenal bolus) abolished the increases in MAP and HR observed during intrarenal infusion of BK (maximum MAP response, -2+/-3 mmHg; maximum HR response, 15+/-11 beats/min). Similarly, the increases in RBF were prevented after HOE-140 treatment. In fact, after HOE-140, intrarenal BK produced a significant decrease in RBF (22%) at the highest dose of BK. Results from this study show that the cardiovascular responses elicited by intrarenal BK are mediated predominantly via a B2-receptor mechanism.

Animals↗

Effect of acute increases in filtered HCO3- on renal hydrogen transporters: II. H(+)-ATPase.

Adaptive increases in renal bicarbonate reabsorption occur in response to acute increases in filtered bicarbonate (FLHCO3). In a previous study, we showed that an increase in FLHCO3 induced by plasma volume expansion increased the Vmax for Na+/H+ exchange activity in renal cortical brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV), providing a potential mechanism for the adaptive increase in HCO3- reabsorption. The present studies were undertaken to determine whether the increase in FLHCO3 induced by plasma expansion also stimulates the other major H+ transporter in cortical BBMV, the H(+)-ATPase. H(+)-ATPase activity was assessed in BBMV obtained from hydropenic and plasma expanded Munich-Wistar rats, using a NADH-linked ATPase assay. H(+)-ATPase activity was measured as the ouabain and oligomycin-insensitive, bafilomycin A1-sensitive component of total ATPase activity. Acute plasma expansion doubled single nephron FLHCO3, and this change was associated with a 64% increase in the Vmax for H(+)-ATPase activity, with no change in apparent Km. The Vmax for H(+)-ATPase activity correlated directly with whole kidney GFR and FLHCO3 (r = 0.68 and 0.72, respectively), and with single nephron GFR and FLHCO3 (r = 0.76 and 0.80, respectively). Thus, the mechanism for the adaptive increase in proximal tubular HCO3- reabsorption that occurs in response to acute increases in FLHCO3 appears to be related to increased activity of both H(+)-ATPase and Na+/H+ exchange in the apical membrane of the proximal tubule epithelium.

Absorption↗

Effect of acute changes in glomerular filtration rate on Na+/H+ exchange in rat renal cortex.

Studies were undertaken in Munich-Wistar rats to assess the influence of changes in filtered bicarbonate (FLHCO3), induced by changes in GFR, on Na+/H+ exchange activity in renal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV). Whole-kidney and micropuncture measurements of GFR, FLHCO3, and whole-kidney and proximal tubule HCO3 reabsorption (APRHCO3) were coupled with BBMV measurements of H+ gradient-driven 22Na+ uptake in each animal studied. 22Na+ uptake was measured at three Na+ concentration gradients to allow calculation of Vmax and Km for Na+/H+ exchange. GFR was varied by studying animals under conditions of hydropenia, plasma repletion, and acute plasma expansion. The increase in GFR, FLHCO3, and APRHCO3 induced by plasma administration correlated directly with an increase in the Vmax for Na+/H+ exchange in BBMV. The Km for sodium was unaffected. In the plasma-expanded rats, the Vmax for Na+/H+ exchange was 22% greater than in the hydropenic rats (P less than 0.025) whereas APRHCO3 was 86% greater (P less than 0.001). These results indicate that increases in FLHCO3, induced by acute increases in GFR, stimulate Na+/H+ exchange activity in proximal tubular epithelium. This stimulation is a mechanism which can, in part, account for the delivery dependence of proximal bicarbonate reabsorption.

Animals↗

Delivery dependence of early proximal bicarbonate reabsorption in the rat in respiratory acidosis and alkalosis.

In the intact rat kidney, bicarbonate reabsorption in the early proximal tubule (EP) is strongly dependent on delivery. Independent of delivery, metabolic acidosis stimulates EP bicarbonate reabsorption. In this study, we investigated whether systemic pH changes induced by acute or chronic respiratory acid-base disorders also affect EP HCO3- reabsorption, independent of delivery (FLHCO3, filtered load of bicarbonate). Hypercapnia was induced in rats acutely (1-3 h) and chronically (4-5 d) by increasing inspired PCO2. Hypocapnia was induced acutely (1-3 h) by mechanical hyperventilation, and chronically (4-5 d) using hypoxemia to stimulate ventilation. When compared with normocapneic rats with similar FLHCO3, no stimulation of EP or overall proximal HCO3 reabsorption was found with either acute hypercapnia (PaCO2 = 74 mmHg, pH = 7.23) or chronic hypercapnia (PaCO2 = 84 mmHg, pH = 7.31). Acute hypocapnia (PaCO2 = 29 mmHg, pH = 7.56) did not suppress EP or overall HCO3 reabsorption. Chronic hypocapnia (PaCO2 = 26 mmHg, pH = 7.54) reduced proximal HCO3 reabsorption, but this effect was reversed when FLHCO3 was increased to levels comparable to euvolemic normocapneic rats. Thus, when delivery is accounted for, we could find no additional stimulation of proximal bicarbonate reabsorption in respiratory acidosis and, except at low delivery rates, no reduction in bicarbonate reabsorption in respiratory alkalosis.

Acidosis, Respiratory↗

Metabolic acidosis stimulates bicarbonate reabsorption in the early proximal tubule.

The early proximal tubule is the major site for renal bicarbonate reabsorption but little is known about the influence of acidosis on transport in this segment. This study examined early proximal bicarbonate reabsorption in rats with chronic metabolic acidosis (MA) (induced by NH4Cl administration). Rats were studied by free-flow micropuncture techniques, after varying degrees of plasma volume expansion to vary the filtered load of bicarbonate (FLHCO3). At FLHCO3 less than 700 pmol/min, both control and acidotic animals reabsorbed greater than 80% of the filtered load by 2 mm from Bowman's space. At higher FLHCO3 (700-1,100 pmol/min), reabsorption in the early proximal tubule was significantly greater in MA rats vs. control (633 +/- 26 vs. 449 +/- 24 pmol/min, between 1 and 2 mm from Bowman's space, P less than 0.001). This MA-induced stimulation of early proximal bicarbonate reabsorption was completely reversed by restoring systemic pH to normal either by acute hypocapnia or alkali infusion. Thus bicarbonate reabsorption in the early proximal tubule correlated closely with changes in systemic pH in rats with MA when bicarbonate delivery was increased by plasma expansion. The mechanism of this effect remains to be determined.

Absorption↗

Analysis of PCO2 variations in the renal cortex. I. Single nephron.

A mathematical model was developed to predict differences in CO2 partial pressure between afferent arterioles and peritubular capillaries, based on the flow rate and composition of afferent arteriolar blood. Buffering reactions in blood were described by use of conditions of chemical equilibrium and electroneutrality in separate plasma and red cell compartments, with inclusion of such factors as the effect of hemoglobin oxygenation (alkaline Bohr effect) and formation of carbamino compounds. Steady-state mass balance equations allowed the prediction of peritubular capillary blood composition based on the inputs of blood from the efferent arteriole and the addition of water, CO2, NaHCO3, and NaCl derived from tubule reabsorbate. Models developed previously to describe the rates of glomerular filtration, and of proximal tubule reabsorption of HCO3- and CO2, were combined with the peritubular capillary model to allow realistic simulations for a single superficial nephron. The predicted difference of 5.5 mmHg between the CO2 partial pressures in peritubular capillaries and afferent arterioles (delta PCO2) was in good agreement with values reported for normal Munich-Wistar rats. For a given afferent arteriolar blood composition, the calculated delta PCO2 generally decreased with increasing blood flow rate. At a given blood flow rate and afferent PCO2, delta PCO2 decreased as afferent plasma HCO3- concentration was increased. When afferent PCO2 was varied at constant blood flow rate and HCO3- concentration, delta PCO2 changed in parallel with afferent PCO2.

Animals↗

Analysis of PCO2 variations in the renal cortex. II. Countercurrent exchange.

In an effort to explain the relatively high values of CO2 partial pressure (PCO2) that have been measured in the superficial renal cortex of the rat, we developed a mathematical model based on the concept of countercurrent exchange between blood vessels. The model includes the possibility of exchange of CO2 between interlobular arteries and veins throughout the cortex, and between "terminal" arterioles and venules (those associated with the most superficial nephrons). The effect of countercurrent exchange is to amplify the increases in PCO2 that occur in the microcirculation of individual nephrons, which are due to the addition of metabolic CO2 and reabsorbed HCO3- and CO2 to peritubular capillaries. The model is formulated in terms of correlations that describe blood buffering equilibria in peritubular capillaries and in interlobular arteries and veins, and steady-state mass balances for the interlobular vessels. By use of physically reasonable vascular permeability values, simulations for the normal euvolemic Munich-Wistar rat yielded values of the surface-to-arterial PCO2 difference (delta PCO2) comparable to previously measured values. Predicted variations in delta PCO2 with afferent arteriolar blood flow rate and systemic arterial PCO2 were also in accord with available data. These results suggest that the amplifying effect of countercurrent exchange is in fact adequate to explain the high values of PCO2 measured in surface structures. The solutions to the mass balance equations are in closed analytical form and can be readily adapted to describe countercurrent exchange in the renal cortex of solutes other than CO2.

Animals↗

The early proximal tubule: a high-capacity delivery-responsive reabsorptive site.

The proximal convoluted tubule is responsible for reclaiming almost all of the filtered bicarbonate, glucose, and amino acids, as well as 40% or more of the filtered sodium, fluid, chloride, and phosphate. Walker and co-workers demonstrated the importance of this nephron segment as a high-capacity transport site in the first mammalian micropuncture studies, and they suggested that the first portion of the proximal tubule played a particularly important role in the ability of the nephron to adapt to variations in filtered load. Since then, many studies using micropuncture and in vivo and in vitro microperfusion techniques have confirmed that the early proximal tubule has a higher transport capacity than the late proximal tubule for a number of solutes. Moreover, at least for bicarbonate, fluid, and chloride, the transport capacity is not static, but is in a dynamic state, adapting in response to changes in filtration. In this review we have focused on the high capacity and load dependence of early proximal bicarbonate and fluid reabsorption. In addition, we summarize the evidence for axial heterogeneity along the proximal convoluted tubule for transport of a variety of other solutes.

Animals↗

Load dependence of proximal tubular bicarbonate reabsorption in chronic metabolic alkalosis in the rat.

Studies were undertaken in Munich-Wistar rats to determine whether maintenance of chronic metabolic alkalosis (CMA) is associated with an increase in proximal HCO3- reabsorption, or whether a reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is required to sustain the elevated plasma HCO3- concentration. Superficial single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR), and absolute proximal HCO-3 (APRHCO3) and water (APRH2O) reabsorption were measured 20 +/- 3 d after the induction of CMA in eight rats and the results compared with seven age-matched control animals. Plasma [HCO3-] was 39.1 +/- 1.8 mM in CMA rats compared with 26.0 +/- 0.4 mM in controls (P less than 0.001). In the CMA rats, SNGFR was 44.8 +/- 1.1 vs. 38.2 +/- 2.1 nl/min in controls (P less than 0.025). As a result, the single nephron filtered load of HCO3- (FLHCO3) increased from 1,147 +/- 61 pmol/min in control to 2,040 +/- 108 pmol/min in CMA (P less than 0.001). APRHCO3 increased by greater than 65%, from 970 +/- 65 pmol/min in control to 1,624 +/- 86 pmol/min in CMA (P less than 0.001). APRH2O increased from 18.4 +/- 1.6 nl/min in control to 24.0 +/- 0.8 nl/min in CMA (P less than 0.005). Tubular hypertrophy resulted in an increase in the length of the proximal convoluted tubule from 5.6 +/- 0.2 to 6.5 +/- 0.2 mm (P less than 0.005). The pattern of HCO3- reabsorption along the length of the proximal convoluted tubule in CMA was indistinguishable from that found in normal rats in which FLHCO3 was varied acutely by altering SNGFR. The increase in tubular length accounted for only 30% of the increase in APRH2O and 15% of the increase in APRHCO3. We conclude that a sustained reduction in GFR is not required for maintenance of CMA in the rat. If GFR is chronically restored to normal levels, the alkalosis is maintained by an increase in APRHCO3. The increase in reabsorption is accounted for by tubular hypertrophy, a chronic adaptive response, and a load-dependent response that is indistinguishable from that seen in normal rats when FLHCO3 is increased acutely by increasing SNGFR.

Alkalosis↗

Load dependence of proximal tubular fluid and bicarbonate reabsorption in the remnant kidney of the Munich-Wistar rat.

Studies were undertaken to characterize the pattern of proximal tubular fluid (APRH2O) and bicarbonate reabsorption (APRHCO3) in the remnant kidney of euvolemic Munich-Wistar rats. The remnant kidney rats were placed on a diet containing either low or normal protein. Collections were obtained in the early, mid-, and late proximal convoluted tubule. Single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR) increased from 40.2 nl/min in controls to 58.8 nl/min in low protein remnant kidney and 78.1 nl/min in normal protein remnant kidney rats. The filtered load of bicarbonate was 1,272, 1,641, and 2,013 pmol/min, in the three groups, respectively. APRH2O and APRHCO3 increased nearly in parallel. Most of the increase in reabsorption occurred in the early proximal tubule. Tubular hypertrophy could account for at least 20-40% of the increase in reabsorption, but the majority of the increase appeared to be a delivery-dependent response similar to that observed in normal rats after an acute increase in SNGFR.

Absorption↗

Load dependence of HCO3 and H2O reabsorption in the early proximal tubule of the Munich-Wistar rat.

Studies were undertaken in Munich-Wistar rats to evaluate the influence of variations in the filtered load of bicarbonate (FLHCO3) and water [single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR)] on the pattern of reabsorption along the accessible proximal tubule. SNGFR and FLHCO3 were varied by examining animals under conditions of hydropenia, plasma and extracellular volume expansion (VE), and VE plus aortic constriction. Water and HCO-3 reabsorption rates were measured at intervals along the proximal tubule, from very early segments to late segments, and these values compared with previous measurements in euvolemic rats. The earliest accessible portion of the proximal tubule reabsorbed HCO3 and water avidly; 40-55% of FLHCO3 and 18-20% of SNGFR were reabsorbed within the first millimeter. Moreover, when FLHCO3 was increased to as high as 2,400 pmol/min, HCO3 reabsorption rate in the first millimeter of the tubule increased concomitantly, reaching values as high as 1,000 pmol X mm-1 X min-1. In a similar fashion, water reabsorption in the first millimeter increased in direct relation to increases in SNGFR, reaching values as high as 13 nl X mm-1 X min-1 at SNGFR values of 70 nl/min. These results indicate that the early proximal tubule has much higher HCO3 and water reabsorptive rates and a stronger load dependence than has been found in later segments of the proximal tubule. The early proximal tubule thus appears to play a critical role in the maintenance of glomerulotubular balance.

Absorption↗

Analysis of the factors influencing peritubular PCO2 in the rat.

We have developed a mathematical model to assess the relative contributions of several factors to the high CO2 partial pressures observed in rat peritubular capillaries. This model is based on a single nephron and focuses specifically on the CO2 partial pressure differences (delta PCO2) between peritubular capillaries and the afferent arteriole. The model is formulated by writing steady-state mass balances for the glomerulus, proximal tubule, and peritubular capillaries in addition to equilibrium relationships for CO2, HCO3-, blood protein buffers, and hemoglobin carbamino compounds. Principal input parameters include glomerular blood flow rate, rates of HCO3- and water reabsorption, and the rate of metabolic CO2 production. Under conditions representative of normal Munich-Wistar rats, the model predicts delta PCO2 to be 4.1 mmHg, in approximate agreement with experimental observations reported elsewhere. Metabolic CO2 production is responsible for roughly half of this predicted delta PCO2, the remainder being attributable to reabsorption processes. In examining the sensitivity of delta PCO2 to changes in physiological conditions, we consistently found it to be inversely related to glomerular blood flow rate. The influence of changes in HCO3- reabsorption on delta PCO2 is variable and highly dependent on the arterial acid-base status and the ratio of HCO3- reabsorption to water reabsorption.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

Proximal HCO3- reabsorption and the determinants of tubular and capillary PCO2 in the rat.

Studies were carried out in Munich-Wistar rats to define the CO2 partial pressure (PCO2) profile in the surface tubules and capillaries of the kidney and to relate these measurements to proximal tubular HCO3- reabsorption, renal blood flow, and O2 consumption. In euvolemic rats, PCO2 in Bowman's space (BS) was 12.5 mmHg higher than in arterial blood, indicating CO2 addition to the arterial tree as it traverses the cortex. PCO2 further rose by 3.9 mmHg between the efferent arteriole (EA) and the peritubular capillaries (PC) (P less than 0.01) and by 4.9 mmHg between BS and the early proximal tubule (EP) (P less than 0.01). In studies with paired measurements, PCO2 in EP was 1.8 mmHg higher than in the adjacent PC (P less than 0.05). HCO3- reabsorption in EP (first 0.4-1.25 mm) was 579 pmol X min-1 X mm-1 (34.3 +/- 4.6% of the filtered load). By use of a model of facilitated diffusion of CO2 across the cell, the trans-epithelial PCO2 gradient in EP can be accounted for by the CO2 generated from HCO3- reabsorption, assuming an intracellular pH of 7.3. In the vascular compartment, roughly half the rise in PCO2 between the afferent arteriole (estimated to equal BS PCO2) and PC can be accounted for by metabolic CO2 production and half by titration of blood buffers by reabsorbed HCO3-.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

Proximal tubular bicarbonate reabsorption and PCO2 in chronic metabolic alkalosis in the rat.

Studies were undertaken to define the pattern of proximal tubular bicarbonate reabsorption and its relation to tubular and capillary PCO2 in rats with chronic metabolic alkalosis (CMA). CMA was induced by administering furosemide to rats ingesting a low electrolyte diet supplemented with NaHCO3 and KHCO3. Proximal tubular bicarbonate reabsorption and PCO2 were measured in CMA rats either 4-7 or 11-14 d after furosemide injection, in order to study a wide range of filtered bicarbonate loads. A group of nine age-matched control animals, fed the same diet but not given furosemide, was studied for comparison. In a third group of controls, the filtered load of bicarbonate was varied over the same range as in the CMA rats by plasma infusion and aortic constriction. The CMA rats had significant alkalemia and hypokalemia (4-7 d: pH 7.58, HCO3 38.3 meq/liter, K+ 2.1 meq/liter; 11-14 d: pH 7.54, HCO3 38.1 meq/liter, K+ 2.5 meq/liter). Nonetheless, proximal bicarbonate reabsorption was not significantly different from that seen in control rats at any given load of filtered bicarbonate (from 250 to 1,300 pmol/min). In both control and CMA rats, 83-85% of the filtered bicarbonate was reabsorbed by the end of the accessible proximal tubule. These observations indicate that proximal bicarbonate reabsorption is determined primarily by the filtered load in chronic metabolic alkalosis. When single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR) is reduced by volume depletion in the early postfurosemide period, the filtered load and the rate of proximal bicarbonate reabsorption remain at or below control levels, maintaining metabolic alkalosis. In the late postfurosemide period, however, SNGFR returned to control levels in some instances. In these animals, both the filtered load and rate of proximal reabsorption were increased above the highest levels seen in control animals. The PCO2 gradient between the peritubular capillaries and arterial blood (Pc-Art) was significantly higher in CMA than in control, even though the rate of proximal bicarbonate reabsorption did not differ. Thus, proximal bicarbonate reabsorption did not appear to be the primary determinant of Pc-Art PCO2. PCO2 in the early proximal (EP) tubule was significantly higher than in either the late proximal (LP) tubule or peritubular capillaries in both control and CMA rats. The EP-LP PCO2 gradient correlated directly with proximal bicarbonate reabsorption (P less than 0.05). The small elevation in PCO2 in EP may be related to CO2 generated at this site in the process of bicarbonate reabsorption.

Absorption↗