Estimated potassium reflection coefficient in perfused proximal convoluted tubules of the anaesthetized rat in vivo.

1. As yet there is no definitive description of the mechanism and route by which K+ reabsorption is achieved in the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT). We have assessed the contribution of convective K+ transport to net potassium ion flux (JK) by estimating the reflection coefficient of K+ (sigma K) in the proximal tubule of anaesthetized rats previously prepared for in vivo microperfusion. 2. Alterations in the luminal concentration of the impermeant solute raffinose in single-perfused (lumen only) and double-perfused (lumen and capillaries) PCTs were found to change fluid reabsorption in a predictable fashion. 3. Net potassium ion flux (JK) in single- and double-perfused tubules was significantly correlated with net fluid flux (Jv), suggesting that convective K+ transport may be a significant factor in overall K+ transport by the PCT. 4. Estimates of sigma K in single- and double-perfused tubules were very similar (0.14 +/- 0.06 and 0.13 +/- 0.05, respectively), even though K+ diffusion was not strictly controlled in the former group. The maximum effect of 'pseudo-solvent' drag in double-perfused tubules was estimated to give a sigma K of 0.40. This low value for sigma K suggests that true convection/solvent drag may be an important driving force for the reabsorption of K+ from the PCT of the rat.