Influence of aldosterone on epithelial leakiness of rat proximal tubules. Microconductivity Measurements*.

Oil blocked superficial segments of late proximal tubules were perfused with salt free isosmolal mannitol solution. Time course of total net ion influx into the lumen after sudden stop of perfusion was monitored by continuous measurement of the conductivity of tubular fluid inside the lumen. Double barreled microelectrodes with high coupling resistance (Rc = 350-450 kOhm) were used as microconductivity probes. The observed time course was interpreted in terms of a two compartment system. Time constants for equilibration were 5.9 plus or minus 2.8 (SD) s in control rats, 14.4 plus or minus 8.0 s in adrenalectomized rats and 5.5 plus or minus 2.3 s in adrenalectomized rats substituted with 100 microgram . kg-1 . d-1 aldosterone for 3 days. The observed effect of aldosterone on the equilibration time constant indicates that this hormone increases the leakiness of proximal tabular epithelium for passive ion influx into the lumen.