Effects of graded solute diuresis on renal tubular sodium transport in the rat.

Sodium transport was studied across proximal and distal tubules of rats undergoing progressive intravenous loading with either isomotic saline or urea (200 mosmol)-saline (100 mosmol) solutions. Free-flow as well as recollection micropuncture techniques were used, and tubular fluid (TF) samples were analyzed for inulin-14C and sodium (Na). With administration of progressively larger intravenous saline loads, the delivery of fluid and sodium into the distal tubule rose. Concomitantly, the normally observed decline of tubular sodium concentrations along the distal tubule became attenuated until it was abolished at the highest infusion rates of saline solutions. Absolute reabsorption rates of Na across the distal tubule increased in proportion to tubular flow rate, and no tubular maximum (Tm) was observed. It is suggested that the delivery of increased amounts of sodium to the normally unsaturated later parts of the distal tubule and the elevated tubular sodium concentration after saline loading account for the observed stimulation of distal tubular net sodium transport. The extent of transport stimulation is also subject to control by the amount of urea accumulation along the distal tubule. As the latter declines, sodium reabsorption is proportionately enhanced.