Abstract

Rats, made acidemic when fed NH4Cl, become alkalemic with discontinuation of the NH4Cl. This phenomenon has been called rebound metabolic alkalemia (RMA). This study examines the function of the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) during RMA. Rats drank only 1.5% NH4Cl for 5 days and then water for 16 h prior to study, yielding an arterial pH = 7.50 +/- 0.01, PCO2 = 39 +/- 1 mmHg, and bicarbonate = 29.5 +/- 1.0 mM. The IMCD data were obtained by microcatheterization from deep (1.5-3.0 mm) and tip (0.2-0.5 mm) samples. Equilibrium pH decreased from 5.92 +/- 0.09 (n = 20) to 5.38 +/- 0.04 (n = 20) and PCO2 increased from 32 +/- 1 to 38 +/- 1 mmHg between deep and tip samples. Bicarbonate delivery decreased from 37 +/- 8 to 7 +/- 1 nmol/min. Titratable acid and ammonium delivery increased from 284 +/- 52 to 347 +/- 62 nmol/min and from 549 +/- 38 to 685 +/- 40 nmol/min, respectively. Calculated net acid excretion increased from 796 +/- 88 to 1,026 +/- 95 nmol/min. Thus during RMA, proton secretion continues along the IMCD, although there is a systemic alkalemia. It appears that factors in addition to systemic acid-base parameters are important in the regulation of proton secretion by the IMCD.

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