The flow rate of tubular fluid has been suggested as one of several factors which may influence potassium transport in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney. In the present micropuncture studies, the relationship between the flow rate of distal tubular fluid and potassium transport was examined in four groups of rats. Three groups of rats (I, II, and IV) were fed normal rat chow before study whereas one group (III) was fed chow containing 10% KCl. Group II received 10-20 μg/kg per h of d-aldosterone throughout the study. Distal tubular potassium transport in groups I, II, and III was examined before and after an increase in the flow rate of distal tubular fluid as induced by the infusion of an isotonic saline-bicarbonate solution equivalent to 10% of body weight. In group IV, distal tubular potassium transport was examined before and after enhancement of the flow rate by the infusion of hypertonic (15%) mannitol.
Robert T. Kunau Jr., Harold L. Webb, Susan C. Borman