Ouabain-sensitive 86Rb(K) influx is linked to transepithelial Na transport in pig kidney cell line.

The pig kidney cell line, LLC-PK1, exhibits rheogenic D-glucose coupled transepithelial Na+ transport that is inhibited by phlorizin. By measuring the difference in initial rates of influx of 86Rb+ with and without coupled Na+ transport, we can demonstrate an 86Rb+ uptake linked to Na+ transport, The simultaneous determination of phlorizin-inhibited Na coupled D-[3H] glucose uptake and 86Rb+ influx allows calculation of an Na+/Rb+ stoichiometry that is consistent with an electrogenic Na+ for Rb+ exchange.