Renal tubular transport of delta-aminolevulinic acid in rat.

Abstract

delta-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) interferes with cell membrane and metabolic functions in a variety of tissues. To determine if ALA interacts with renal tubular transport functions, we examined concentrative transport of this heme precursor in rat kidneys. ALA was accumulated against a concentration gradient in rat renal cortical slices. Section freeze-dry autoradiography demonstrated selective accumulation in cells of proximal tubules. Concentrative uptake of ALA was inhibited by KCN, probenecid and p-aminohippurate (PAH). ALA inhibited slice uptake of PAH but failed to block slice accumulation of galactose, cycloleucine, lysine, glycine, proline, or alpha-aminoisobutyric acid and did not alter O2 utilization. Massive intraperitoneal injection of ALA did not increase 24 hr fractional excretion of amino acids in vivo. Concentrative transport of ALA in proximal tubules does not lead to generalized renal tubular transport defects but ALA appears to share the organic acid secretory system in rat kidney.