Heterogeneity of organic base secretion by proximal tubules.

Rabbit renal tubules were perfused in vitro to characterize the secretion of the organic base procainamide by proximal tubules. When [3H]-procainamide was added to the bath it was secreted into the tubule lumen. In tubules from superficial nephrons secretory rates were greatest in S1, intermediate in S2, and lowest in S3 segments. In juxtamedullary tubules secretory rates were greatest in S1 and S2 and lowest in S3 segments. Secretory rates of p-aminohippurate were greatest in S2 and lowest in S1 and S3 segments of both superficial and juxtamedullary nephrons. The results indicate that there is both axial and internephronal heterogeneity for the secretion of this organic base by rabbit proximal tubules. The segmental secretion of procainamide differs from that of p-aminohippurate.