Pflügers Archiv : European journal of physiology
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Loop-diuretic-sensitive 86Rb+(K+) transmembrane fluxes were determined in cells of a mouse inner medullary collecting duct cell line (mIMCD-K2). The furosemide-sensitive (0.1 mM) influx was a substantial fraction of the total influx (0.39+/-0.04 or 0.42+/-0.03, n=5 in the presence or absence of ouabain, respectively). Furosemide also reduced 86Rb+(K+) efflux by a similar fraction (0.46). ⋯ Apical exposure to NH4+ elicited rapid cytosolic alkalinisation in 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF)-loaded epithelial layers, consistent with selective permeability of the apical membrane to NH3. Conversely, NH4+ (5 mM) at the basal cell surface resulted in progressive acidification, the initial rate being reduced by 43% by furosemide. We conclude that NKCC1 participates in selective uptake of NH4+ at the basal surface, and that IMCD may function in direct NH4+ deposition to urine.