In vivo microperfusion techniques were used to investigate the role of Na+-
H+ exchange in the efferent ducts of the rat. Individual efferent ducts wer
e perfused with a Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution (KRB) containing 0, 1,
3, 5 or 7.5 mM amiloride. Concentrations of 1-5 mM amiloride inhibited flui
d reabsorption from the efferent ducts in a linear dose-dependent manner wi
th an apparent K-m of 3 mM. Inhibition was maximal at 5 mM with reabsorptio
n reduced by about 70 %. The effects of amiloride were completely reversibl
e and there was little effect of amiloride on luminal osmolality and concen
trations of Na+, Cl- or K+. It is concluded that Na+-H+ exchange is one of
the principal mechanisms responsible for fluid and electrolyte reabsorption
in the efferent ducts and offers a means by which the efferent ducts are a
ble to achieve flow-dependent, autoregulated fluid reabsorption.