Basolateral membrane K+ channels in renal epithelial cells

The major function of epithelial tissues is to maintain proper ion, solute, and water homeostasis. The tubule of the renal nephron has an amazingly simple structure, lined by epithelial cells, yet the segments (i.e., proximal tubule vs. collecting duct) of the nephron have unique transport functions. The functional differences are because epithelial cells are polarized and thus possess different patterns (distributions) of membrane transport proteins in the apical and basolateral membranes of the cell. K(+) channels play critical roles in normal physiology. Over 90 different genes for K(+) channels have been identified in the human genome. Epithelial K(+) channels can be located within either or both the apical and basolateral membranes of the cell. One of the primary functions of basolateral K(+) channels is to recycle K(+) across the basolateral membrane for proper function of the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, among other functions. Mutations of these channels can cause significant disease. The focus of this review is to provide an overview of the basolateral K(+) channels of the nephron, providing potential physiological functions and pathophysiology of these channels, where appropriate. We have taken a "K(+) channel gene family" approach in presenting the representative basolateral K(+) channels of the nephron. The basolateral K(+) channels of the renal epithelia are represented by members of the KCNK, KCNJ, KCNQ, KCNE, and SLO gene families.     

Ectopic expression of bovine type 5 phosphodiesterase confers a renal phenotype in Drosophila

cGMP signaling regulates epithelial fluid transport by Drosophila Malpighian (renal) tubules. In order to directly evaluate the importance of cGMP-degrading phosphodiesterases (PDEs) in epithelial transport, bovine PDE5 (a bona fide cGMP-PDE), was ectopically expressed in vivo. Transgenic UAS-PDE5 Drosophila were generated, and PDE5 expression was driven in specified tubule cells in vivo by cell-specific GAL4 drivers. Targeted expression was verified by PCR and Western blotting. Immunolocalization of PDE5 in tubule confirmed specificity of expression and demonstrated localization to the apical plasma membrane. GAL4/UAS-PDE5 tubules exhibit increased cG-PDE activity and reduced basal cGMP levels compared with control lines. We show that wild-type and control tubules are sensitive to the PDE5-specific inhibitor sildenafil and that GAL4/UAS-PDE5 tubules display enhanced sensitivity to sildenafil, compared with controls. cGMP content in GAL4/UAS-PDE5 tubules is restored to control levels by treatment with sildenafil. Thus bovine PDE5 retains cGMP-degrading activity and inhibitor sensitivity when expressed in Drosophila. Expression of PDE5 in tubule principal cells results in an epithelial phenotype, reducing rates of basal and cGMP-/Cardioaccelatory peptide(2b)(CAP(2b))-stimulated fluid transport. Furthermore, inhibition of PDE5 activity by sildenafil restores basal and cGMP-stimulated fluid transport rates to control levels. However, corticotrophin releasing factor-like-stimulated transport, which is activated by cAMP signaling, was unaffected, confirming that only cGMP-stimulated signaling events in tubule are compromised by overexpression of PDE5. Successful ectopic expression of a vertebrate cG-PDE in Drosophila has shown that cG-PDE has a critical role in tubule function in vivo and that cG-PDE function is conserved across evolution. The transgene also provides a generic tool for the analysis of cGMP signaling in Drosophila.     

Spectrophotometric assay of renal ouabain-resistant Na(+)-ATPase and its regulation by leptin and dietary-induced obesity

Apart from Na(+),K(+)-ATPase, a second sodium pump, Na(+)-stimulated, K(+)-independent ATPase (Na(+)-ATPase) is expressed in proximal convoluted tubule of the mammalian kidney. The aim of this study was to develop a method of Na(+)-ATPase assay based on the method previously used by us to measure Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity. The ATPase activity was assayed as the amount of inorganic phosphate liberated from ATP by isolated microsomal fraction. Na(+)-ATPase activity was calculated as the difference between the activities measured in the presence and in the absence of 50 mM NaCl. Na(+)-ATPase activity was detected in the renal cortex (3.5 +/- 0.2 mumol phosphate/h per mg protein), but not in the renal medulla. Na(+)-ATPase was not inhibited by ouabain or an H(+),K(+)-ATPase inhibitor, Sch 28080, but was almost completely blocked by 2 mM furosemide. Leptin administered intraperitoneally (1 mg/kg) decreased the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity in the renal medulla at 0.5 and 1 h by 22.1% and 27.1%, respectively, but had no effect on Na(+)-ATPase in the renal cortex. Chronic hyperleptinemia induced by repeated subcutaneous leptin injections (0.25 mg/kg twice daily for 7 days) increased cortical Na(+),K(+)-ATPase, medullary Na(+),K(+)-ATPase and cortical Na(+)-ATPase by 32.4%, 84.2% and 62.9%, respectively. In rats with dietary-induced obesity, the Na(+),K(+)- ATPase activity was higher in the renal cortex and medulla by 19.7% and 34.3%, respectively, but Na(+)-ATPase was not different from control. These data indicate that both renal Na(+)-dependent ATPases are separately regulated and that up-regulation of Na(+)-ATPase may contribute to Na(+) retention and arterial hypertension induced by chronic hyperleptinemia.     

Inorganic and organic anion transport by insect renal epithelia

Insect renal organs typically exhibit high rates of transport of inorganic and organic anions, and therefore provide useful models for the study of epithelial anion transport and its control. Isolated Malpighian tubules of some species secrete a volume of iso-osmotic fluid equal to their own volume in 10-15 s, which means that cellular Cl(-) content is exchanged every 3-5 s. Anion transport can also be achieved against extreme thermodynamic gradients. The concentration of K(+) and Cl(-) in the lumen of the Malpighian tubules of some desert beetles approaches or exceeds saturation. A basolateral Na(+):K(+):2Cl(-) cotransporter plays an important role in vectorial ion transport in Malpighian tubules of many species, but there is also evidence for coupling of Cl(-) transport to the movement of a single cationic species (Na(+) or K(+)). Although an apical vacuolar H(+)-ATPase plays a primary role in energizing transepithelial secretion of chloride via channels or cotransporters in the secretory segment of the Malpighian tubule, several different ATPases have been implicated in reabsorption of Cl(-) by the lower Malpighian tubule or hindgut. Chloride transport is known to be controlled by several neuropeptides, amines and intracellular second messengers. Insect renal epithelia are also important in excretion of potentially toxic organic anions, and the transporters involved may play a role in resistance to insecticides of natural or anthropogenic origin.     

Role of Na+/K+ exchange and organic acids in base induced hyperpolarization of renal proximal amphibian tubule.

Fast peritubular alkaline perturbations in Necturus renal proximal tubule evoke hyperpolarizations of the basolateral membrane. These voltage changes are partly due to an increase in basolateral K(+)-permeability. Additional role of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and organic acids in generating these base induced hyperpolarizations (BIH) can be deduced from the reduction in BIH during low K+, high amiloride or omission of organic acids.     

Gut sensing of dietary K⁺ intake increases renal K⁺excretion

Dietary K(+) intake may increase renal K(+) excretion via increasing plasma [K(+)] and/or activating a mechanism independent of plasma [K(+)]. We evaluated these mechanisms during normal dietary K(+) intake. After an overnight fast, [K(+)] and renal K(+) excretion were measured in rats fed either 0% K(+) or the normal 1% K(+) diet. In a third group, rats were fed with the 0% K(+) diet, and KCl was infused to match plasma [K(+)] profile to that of the 1% K(+) diet group. The 1% K(+) feeding significantly increased renal K(+) excretion, associated with slight increases in plasma [K(+)], whereas the 0% K(+) diet decreased K(+) excretion, associated with decreases in plasma [K(+)]. In the KCl-infused 0% K(+) diet group, renal K(+) excretion was significantly less than that of the 1% K(+) group, despite matched plasma [K(+)] profiles. We also examined whether dietary K(+) alters plasma profiles of gut peptides, such as guanylin, uroguanylin, glucagon-like peptide 1, and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, pituitary peptides, such as AVP, α-MSH, and γ-MSH, or aldosterone. Our data do not support a role for these hormones in the stimulation of renal K(+) excretion during normal K(+) intake. In conclusion, postprandial increases in renal K(+) excretion cannot be fully accounted for by changes in plasma [K(+)] and that gut sensing of dietary K(+) is an important component of the regulation of renal K(+) excretion. Our studies on gut and pituitary peptide hormones suggest that there may be previously unknown humoral factors that stimulate renal K(+) excretion during dietary K(+) intake.     

上皮细胞K+通道的生理学意义与临床应用:跨上皮细胞转运的驱动力生成和K+循环

K^＋通道在上皮细胞内以极化的方式表达,形成一个庞大的膜蛋白家族。出于对主要依赖Na^＋-K^＋-ATPase而维持的细胞内跨膜K^＋梯度的考虑,K^＋通道在跨上皮细胞转运中的主要作用为：膜电位生成和K^＋循环。本文以肾近端小管和胃壁上皮细胞转运为例简要阐述了K^＋通道的作用。在这两个组织中,K^＋通道活性限速跨上皮细胞转运,调节细胞体积。近年来,药理学工具和转基因动物的实验证实了对K^＋通道的原先认知,并将研究深入到分子水平。K^＋通道的分子结构挑战高亲和力药物分子的设计,及其多组织同时表达的两个典型特征阻碍了高活性、组织特异性小分子治疗的进展。然而,抑制K^＋通道能阻断胃酸分泌等病理生理机制的深入研究,促进K^＋通道药物用于胃病治疗和作为肾脏转运抑制剂用于肾脏相关疾病治疗。     

Role of vascular potassium channels in the regulation of renal hemodynamics

K(+) conductance is a major determinant of membrane potential (V(m)) in vascular smooth muscle (VSMC) and endothelial cells (EC). The vascular tone is controlled by V(m) through the action of voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels (VOCC) in VSMC. Increased K(+) conductance leads to hyperpolarization and vasodilation, while inactivation of K(+) channels causes depolarization and vasoconstriction. K(+) channels in EC indirectly participate in the control of vascular tone by several mechanisms, e.g., release of nitric oxide and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor. In the kidney, a change in the activity of one or more classes of K(+) channels will lead to a change in hemodynamic resistance and therefore of renal blood flow and glomerular filtration pressure. Through these effects, the activity of renal vascular K(+) channels influences renal salt and water excretion, fluid homeostasis, and ultimately blood pressure. Four main classes of K(+) channels [calcium activated (K(Ca)), inward rectifier (K(ir)), voltage activated (K(V)), and ATP sensitive (K(ATP))] are found in the renal vasculature. Several in vitro experiments have suggested a role for individual classes of K(+) channels in the regulation of renal vascular function. Results from in vivo experiments are sparse. We discuss the role of the different classes of renal vascular K(+) channels and their possible role in the integrated function of the renal microvasculature. Since several pathological conditions, among them hypertension, are associated with alterations in K(+) channel function, the role of renal vascular K(+) channels in the control of salt and water excretion deserves attention.     

Aldosterone stimulates activity and surface expression of NHE3 in human primary proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTEC).

The steroid hormone aldosterone is a major regulator of extracellular volume and blood pressure. Aldosterone effectors are for example the epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC), the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and the proximal tubule Na(+)/H(+) exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3). The aim of this study was to investigate whether aldosterone acts directly on proximal tubule cells to stimulate NHE3 and if so whether the EGF-receptor (EGFR) is involved. For this purpose, primary human renal proximal tubule cells were exposed to aldosterone. NHE3 activity was determined from Na(+)- dependent pH-recovery, NHE3 surface expression was determined by biotinylation and immunoblotting. EGFR-expression was assessed by ELISA. pH(i)- measurements revealed an aldosterone-induced increase in NHE3 activity, which was inhibited by the mineralocorticoid receptor blocker spironolactone and by the EGFR-kinase inhibitor AG1478. Immunoprecipitation and immunoblot analysis showed an aldosterone-induced increase in NHE3 surface expression, which was also inhibited by spironolactone and AG1478. Furthermore, aldosterone enhanced EGFR-expression. In conclusion, aldosterone stimulates NHE3 in human proximal tubule cells. The underlying mechanisms include AG1478 inhibitable kinase and are paralleled by enhanced EGFR expression, which could be compatible with EGF-receptor-pathway-dependent surface expression and activity of NHE3 in human primary renal proximal tubule epithelial cells.     

Characterization of Dir: a putative potassium inward rectifying channel in Drosophila

Potassium channels vary in their function and regulation, yet they maintain a number of important features - they are involved in the control of potassium flow, cell volume, cell membrane resting potential, cell excitability and hormone release. The potassium (K(+)) inward rectifier (Kir) superfamily of channels are potassium selective channels, that are sensitive to the concentration of K(+) ions. They are termed inward rectifiers since they allow a much greater K(+) influx than efflux. There are at least seven subfamilies of Kir channels, grouped according to sequence and functional similarities (Curr. Opin. Neurobiol. 5 (1995) 268; Annu. Rev. Physiol. 59 (1997) 171). While numerous Kir channels have been discovered in a variety of organisms, Drosophila inward rectifier (Dir) is the first putative inward rectifier to be studied in Drosophila. In fact, there are only three genes (including Dir) encoding putative inward rectifiers in the Drosophila genome. Though there are other known potassium channels in Drosophila such as ether-a-go-go and shaker, most are voltage-gated channels. As an important first step in characterizing Kir channels in Drosophila, we initiated studies on Dir.     

Potassium excretion during antinatriuresis: perspective from a distal nephron model

Renal excretion of Na(+) and K(+) must be regulated independently within the distal nephron, but is complicated by the fact that changing excretion of one solute requires adjustments in the transport of both. It is long known that hypovolemia increases Na(+) reabsorption while impairing K(+) excretion, even when distal Na(+) delivery is little changed. Renewed interest in this micropuncture observation came with identification of the molecular defects underlying familial hyperkalemic hypertension (FHH), which also increases distal Na(+) reabsorption and impairs K(+) excretion. In this work, a mathematical model of the distal nephron (Weinstein AM. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 295: F1353-F1364, 2008), including the distal convoluted tubule (DCT), connecting segment (CNT), and collecting duct (CD), is used to examine renal K(+) excretion during antinatriuresis. Within the model, Na(+) avidity is represented as the modulation of DCT NaCl reabsorption, and the K(+) secretion signal is an aldosterone-like effect on principal cells of the CNT and CD. The first model prediction is that changes in DCT NaCl reabsorption are not mediated by NaCl cotransporter density alone, but require additional adjustments of both peritubular Na-K-ATPase and KCl cotransport. A second observation is that the CNT response to increased DCT Na(+) reabsorption should not only stabilize CD K(+) delivery but also compensate for the compromise of K(+) excretion downstream, as low Na(+) delivery increases CD K(+) reabsorption. Such anticipatory regulation is seen with the aldosterone response of hypovolemia, while the FHH phenotype manifests enhanced DCT NaCl transport but a blunted aldosterone effect. The model emphasizes the need for two distinct signals to the distal nephron, regulating Na(+) excretion and K(+) excretion, in contrast to a single switch apportioning NaCl reabsorption and Na(+)-for-K(+) exchange.     

Activation of an ATP-dependent K(+) conductance in Xenopus oocytes by expression of adenylate kinase cloned from renal proximal tubules

In rabbit proximal convoluted tubules, an ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channel has been shown to be involved in membrane cross-talk, i.e. the coupling (most likely mediated through intracellular ATP) between transepithelial Na(+) transport and basolateral K(+) conductance. This K(+) conductance is inhibited by taurine. We sought to isolate this K(+) channel by expression cloning in Xenopus oocytes. Injection of renal cortex mRNA into oocytes induced a K(+) conductance, largely inhibited by extracellular Ba(2+) and intracellular taurine. Using this functional test, we isolated from our proximal tubule cDNA library a unique clone, which induced a large K(+) current which was Ba(2+)-, taurine- and glibenclamide-sensitive. Surprisingly, this clone is not a K(+) channel but an adenylate kinase protein (AK3), known to convert NTP+AMP into NDP+ADP (N could be G, I or A). AK3 expression resulted in a large ATP decrease and activation of the whole-cell currents including a previously unknown, endogenous K(+) current. To verify whether ATP decrease was responsible for the current activation, we demonstrated that inhibition of glycolysis greatly reduces oocyte ATP levels and increases an inwardly rectifying K(+) current. The possible involvement of AK in the K(ATP) channel's regulation provides a means of explaining their observed activity in cytosolic environments characterized by high ATP concentrations.     

Augmentation of forskolin-induced cAMP production by ouabain in rat renal papillary collecting tubule cells in culture

The effect of extracellular calcium (Ca2+) on the cellular action of forskolin was studied using a Na+, K(+)-ATPase inhibitor ouabain in rat renal papillary collecting tubule cells in culture. Forskolin-induced cAMP production was enhanced by the pretreatment of cells with ouabain, providing that a dose-dependent curve with forskolin shifted to the left. The enhancement by ouabain of cellular cAMP production in response to forskolin was totally blunted by cotreatment with cobalt, verapamil, or Ca2(+)-free medium containing 1 mM EGTA. In addition, two dissimilar antagonists of calmodulin, namely trifluoperazine and N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide (W - 7), attenuated the ouabain's effect on cAMP production in response to forskolin. These results therefore indicate that ouabain enhances the activation of adenylate cyclase by forskolin, mediated through cellular free Ca2+, in renal papillary collecting tubule cells, and that extracellular Ca2+ is an important source for cellular Ca2+ mobilization by ouabain.     

Regulation of renal Na(+),K(+)-ATPase and ouabain-sensitive H(+),K(+)-ATPase by the cyclic AMP-protein kinase A signal transduction pathway

We investigated the effect of the cyclic AMP-protein kinase A (PKA) signalling pathway on renal Na(+),K(+)-ATPase and ouabain-sensitive H(+),K(+)-ATPase. Male Wistar rats were anaesthetized and catheter was inserted through the femoral artery into the abdominal aorta proximally to the renal arteries for infusion of the investigated substances. Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity was measured in the presence of Sch 28080 to block ouabain-sensitive H(+),K(+)-ATPase and improve specificity of the assay. Dibutyryl-cyclic AMP (db-cAMP) administered at a dose of 10(-7) mol/kg per min and 10(-6) mol/kg per min increased Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity in the renal cortex by 34% and 42%, respectively, and decreased it in the renal medulla by 30% and 44%, respectively. db-cAMP infused at 10(-6) mol/kg per min increased the activity of cortical ouabain-sensitive H(+),K(+)-ATPase by 33%, and medullary ouabain-sensitive H(+),K(+)-ATPase by 30%. All the effects of db-cAMP were abolished by a specific inhibitor of protein kinase A, KT 5720. The stimulatory effect on ouabain-sensitive H(+),K(+)-ATPase and on cortical Na(+),K(+)-ATPase was also abolished by brefeldin A which inhibits the insertion of proteins into the plasma membranes, whereas the inhibitory effect on medullary Na(+),K(+)-ATPase was partially attenuated by 17-octadecynoic acid, an inhibitor of cytochrome p450-dependent arachidonate metabolism. We conclude that the cAMP-PKA pathway stimulates Na(+),K(+)-ATPase in the renal cortex as well as ouabain-sensitive H(+),K(+)-ATPase in the cortex and medulla by a mechanism requiring insertion of proteins into the plasma membrane. In contrast, medullary Na(+),K(+)-ATPase is inhibited by cAMP through a mechanism involving cytochrome p450-dependent arachidonate metabolites.     

Biochemical, functional, and morphological characterization of a primary culture of rabbit proximal tubule cells.

Primary cultures of renal rabbit proximal tubule cells were initiated from a pure suspension of proximal tubule fragments. Proximal tubule cells were grown in a hormone-supplemented, serum-free medium containing low concentrations of antibiotics. Confluent monolayers exhibited multicellular dome formation, indicating the presence of transepithelial solute and water transport. Ultrastructural examination revealed a monolayer of polarized epithelial cells with tight junctions and sparse membraneous microvilli facing the culture medium. Time course biochemical characterization was performed using a palette of 12 enzymes, representative of important metabolic functions or pathways. Brush-border-associated enzymes (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and alanine aminopeptidase) were moderately reduced throughout the culture whereas alkaline phosphatase was markedly decreased at confluency. Mitochondrial and lysosomal marker enzymes were well preserved over the culture period. Glutathione-S-transferase activity remained stable during the 16-day culture period investigated. Glycolysis enzyme activities (lactate dehydrogenase and hexokinase) were enhanced, as a function of culture age. Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity rise was concomitant with the increase of glycolysis marker enzymes. In contrast, the gluconeogenesis marker enzyme, glucose-6-phosphatase, fell dramatically to reach a low level equivalent to 4% of the activity measured in isolated proximal tubules. Primary cultures exhibited several differentiated functions of the proximal tubule cell: (a) PTH alone was able to induce a significant stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity, unlike isoproterenol, thyrocalcitonin, and arginine vasopressin, and (b) sodium-dependent alpha-methylglucoside (AMG) transport was detected. This AMG uptake was selectively inhibited by phlorizin (5 X 10(-3) M), which is a competitive inhibitor of glucose uptake at the apical membrane. Complete characterization made it possible to investigate hitherto unexplored aspects of in vitro cultured proximal tubule cells. This primary culture model could provide a useful and reliable tool to investigate in vitro renal proximal tubule function, under normal conditions or after a drug-induced toxicity.     

Simultaneous phosphorylation of Ser11 and Ser18 in the alpha-subunit promotes the recruitment of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase molecules to the plasma membrane

Renal sodium homeostasis is a major determinant of blood pressure and is regulated by several natriuretic and antinatriuretic hormones. These hormones, acting through intracellular second messengers, either activate or inhibit proximal tubule Na(+),K(+)-ATPase. We have shown previously that phorbol ester (PMA) stimulation of endogenous PKC leads to activation of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase in cultured proximal tubule cells (OK cells) expressing the rodent Na(+), K(+)-ATPase alpha-subunit. We have now demonstrated that the treatment with PMA leads to an increased amount of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase molecules in the plasmalemma, which is proportional to the increased enzyme activity. Colchicine, dinitrophenol, and potassium cyanide prevented the PMA-dependent stimulation of activity without affecting the increased level of phosphorylation of the Na(+), K(+)-ATPase alpha-subunit. This suggests that phosphorylation does not directly stimulate Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity; instead, phosphorylation may be the triggering mechanism for recruitment of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase molecules to the plasma membrane. Transfected cells expressing either an S11A or S18A mutant had the same basal Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity as cells expressing the wild-type rodent alpha-subunit, but PMA stimulation of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity was completely abolished in either mutant. PMA treatment led to phosphorylation of the alpha-subunit by stimulation of PKC-beta, and the extent of this phosphorylation was greatly reduced in the S11A and S18A mutants. These results indicate that both Ser11 and Ser18 of the alpha-subunit are essential for PMA stimulation of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity, and that these amino acids are phosphorylated during this process. The results presented here support the hypothesis that PMA regulation of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase is the result of an increased number of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase molecules in the plasma membrane.     

Characterization of tetraethylammonium uptake across the basolateral membrane of the Drosophila Malpighian (renal) tubule

Basolateral transport of the prototypical type I organic cation tetraethylammonium (TEA) by the Malpighian tubules of Drosophila melanogaster was studied using measurements of basolateral membrane potential (V(bl)) and uptake of [(14)C]-labeled TEA. TEA uptake was metabolically dependent and saturable (maximal rate of mediated TEA uptake by all potential transport processes, reflecting the total transport capacity of the membrane, 0.87 pmol.tubule(-1).min(-1); concentration of TEA at 0.5 of the maximal rate of TEA uptake value, 24 muM). TEA uptake in Malpighian tubules was inhibited by a number of type I (e.g., cimetidine, quinine, and TEA) and type II (e.g., verapamil) organic cations and was dependent on V(bl). TEA uptake was reduced in response to conditions that depolarized V(bl) (high-K(+) saline, Na(+)-free saline, NaCN) and increased in conditions that hyperpolarized V(bl) (low-K(+) saline). Addition of TEA to the saline bathing Malpighian tubules rapidly depolarized the V(bl), indicating that TEA uptake was electrogenic. Blockade of K(+) channels with Ba(2+) did not block effects of TEA on V(bl) or TEA uptake indicating that TEA uptake does not occur through K(+) channels. This is the first study to provide physiological evidence for an electrogenic carrier-mediated basolateral organic cation transport mechanism in insect Malpighian tubules. Our results also suggest that the mechanism of basolateral TEA uptake by Malpighian tubules is distinct from that found in vertebrate renal tubules.