Osmolality, bicarbonate concentration, and water reabsorption in proximal tubule of the dog nephron

¹ Laboratory of Kidney and Electrolyte Metabolism, National Heart Institute, Bethesda, Maryland

Micropuncture and microanalytical techniques were used to study the effect of antidiuresis and water diuresis on osmolality, bicarbonate concentration, and water reabsorption in the proximal tubule of the dog nephron. Samples collected during antidiuresis and water diuresis remained isotonic to plasma throughout the first 50% of the proximal convoluted tubule. Mean bicarbonate concentrations of 16 mEq/liter and 17 mEq/liter were found in the middle third of the tubule during antidiuresis and water diuresis, respectively. These values were slightly less than the plasma concentration of 22 mEq/liter. Proximal tubular fluid samples for inulin concentration were collected during antidiuresis, water diuresis, and during vasopressin infusion in water-loaded dogs. A mean tubular fluid to plasma (TF/P) inulin ratio of 2.3 was found in the middle third of the proximal tubule during antidiuresis. This value is significantly different (P < 0.01) from a mean of 1.6 in the same portion of the tubule during water diuresis. Vasopressin administration to hydrated dogs returned the TF/P inulin ratio in the middle third of the proximal tubule to 2.0. These results suggest that vasopressin stimulated Na reabsorption in the proximal tubule of the dog nephron.