Na+ gradient-dependent glycine uptake in basolateral membrane vesicles from the dog kidney.

The imposition of a Na+ gradient (extravesicular greater than intravesicular) stimulated the uptake of [3H]glycine measured over time in basolateral membrane vesicles from dog kidney over that measured in the presence of a choline+ gradient or measured under Na+-equilibrated conditions. Na+ gradient-dependent uptake of [3H]glycine was stimulated by an intravesicular-negative membrane potential. Efflux of [3H]glycine was enhanced by an intravesicular-positive membrane potential. Substrate velocity analysis of net Na+-dependent [3H]glycine uptake over the range of amino acid concentrations from 10 to 500 microM demonstrated a single saturable transport system with apparent Km = 84 microM and apparent Vmax = 143 pmol [3H]glycine X mg protein-1 X 15 s-1. Counterflow of [3H]glycine was demonstrated in the presence of Na+ when basolateral vesicles were preloaded with glycine but not with L-alanine or L-proline. These findings are consistent with carrier-mediated, electrogenic cotransport of Na+ and glycine in basolateral vesicles. Unlike the case for [3H]glycine, Na+ gradient-dependent uptake of neither L-[3H]alanine nor L-[3H]proline was observed in basolateral vesicles. Na+ gradient-dependent uptake of all three amino acids was demonstrated in brush border vesicles from the dog kidney. We conclude that variability exists between basolateral and brush border membranes in terms of the presence or absence of Na+-dependent transport systems for specific amino acids. This variability probably reflects differences between the functional significances of the Na+-dependent transport processes in the two membranes.